Reviews & Ratings

2021 DAOU Red Blends or Varietals "Pessimist"

Winery: DAOU

Vintage: 2021

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Pessimist"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 76% Petite Sirah, 12% Zinfandel, 10% Syrah & 2% Lagrein

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Paso Robles

State or country: CA

Price: $30

Cases produced: 80,000

KWG Score: 93.8 (based on 5 reviews)

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

Review date: October 23, 2023

Wine Review: This midnight purple colored Petite Sirah based wine from DAOU opens with a blackberry and wood tones bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with integrated medium acidity. The flavor profile is a stewed plum and black raspberry blend with notes of black tea and black pepper. We also detected some hints of black licorice. The finish is dry, and its moderate tannins are nicely extended. We would recommend decanting this red blend before pairing it with grilled steak tips. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The 2021 vintage delivers yet another stunning blend. This wine is powerful and intensely aromatic out of the glass, presenting fragrances of blueberry, boysenberry, and black plum. Secondary layers reveal elderberry, truffle, cocoa, and cardamom spice accented by hints of eucalyptus, leather, cherry pipe tobacco and grilled meats. Broad and expansive on the palate, it bestows lush, generous flavors of black cherry, blueberry, creme de cassis and damp forest floor. Hints of lavender, anise and black olive complement the rich, ripe fruit flavors. Massive in weight yet elegantly structured, this wine is a powerhouse that reveals itself gradually yet deliberately. It finishes smoothly with leisure and length.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell DAOU 2021 Pessimist.