DAOU Family Estates’ 2023 Soul of a Lion is the winery’s flagship red from DAOU Mountain in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, an estate site known for Bordeaux varieties at elevation. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon–led Bordeaux-style blend produced in what the winery calls “strictly limited” quantities. While DAOU’s technical details for this vintage are not fully documented in the supplied material, the house style for Soul of a Lion is consistent: a structured, dark-fruited wine typically raised for extended time in French oak (DAOU cites about 22 months in 100% new French oak for recent vintages).

James Suckling awarded an excellent 96 points, calling the wine “opulent with purity and charm.” He highlights aromas of “blackberry and cherry, fig, dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, cedar and licorice with a mineral undertone,” then notes a palate that is “full-bodied with finely integrated tannins, balanced acidity and a plush, layered mouthfeel with a silken, refined feel.” Suckling also reports the blend composition as 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot, and concludes, “Drink or hold.”

Vinous’ Eric Guido also delivered an excellent review at 95 points, emphasizing both power and freshness. He describes it as “spicy in the glass,” with “dried flowers, ground clove, incense, spiced blood orange and crushed raspberries.” On the palate, Guido finds “radiance and a cool-toned feel despite its power and concentration,” as “masses of sour cherry and blueberry mingle over a wave of pure silk.” He adds that “a cascade of violet pastille lingers,” and characterizes the finish as “long, staining, structured and already quite approachable,” concluding that “the balance here will carry this beauty for years in the cellar.”

Taken together, the reviews frame the 2023 as a polished, full-bodied Paso Robles mountain Cabernet blend with depth of fruit, prominent spice and floral detail, and the structure to age while still offering early appeal.