Reviews & Ratings

2023 DAOU Red Blends or Varietals "Pessimist"

Winery: DAOU

Vintage: 2023

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Pessimist"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 69% Petite Sirah, 18% Syrah, 11% Zinfandel & 2% Lagrein

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Paso Robles

State or country: CA

Price: $30

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 91 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: January 24, 2025

Wine Review: This very dark garnet colored Petite Sirah based wine opens with a fragrant black plum and blackberry bouquet with hints of pencil shavings and wet stone. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and fresh. The flavor profile is a stewed plum and graphite blend with notes of mild black tea and nutmeg. We also detected some hints of black pepper, candied violets, and a touch black licorice in the aftertaste. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity, and gentle tannins linger nicely. I would pair this red blend wine with steak fajitas. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair. This is a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell DAOU 2023 Pessimist.