The Heritage Club - April 2020
Let’s face it. You need a drink. I need a drink. Is it 5:00 pm on Friday? 9:30 am on a Tuesday? Who cares?!
We feel you. Sometimes you just need to crack open that zesty Sauv. Blanc after your morning meeting just to make it through the day. Sometimes it seems like this whole Coronavirus might never end. But, even the worst Pessimist will find something to enjoy about the wines we’ve selected for you this month. Crack open a bottle, pour a glass, and enjoy yourself!
DAOU Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Region: USA, California, Paso Robles
Grape Varietal(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Viticulture: calcareous clay soil; SIP (sustainability in practice) certified
Method: stainless steel fermentation and maturation
Age: Drink now through 2022
Tasting notes: dragon fruit, citrus and passion fruit.
About DAOU Vineyards
DAOU Vineyards and Winery was conceived by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in the early 2000s. After making their fortunes in software, the Daou brothers set their sites on the grape life and soon fell in love with the beauty and allure of Paso Robles. After some research, they found that legendary Napa winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff said Paso could produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon in its higher elevation, they did what any good engineer would do: they scienced the shit out of it.
Daniel spent time on both left and right banks of Bordeaux, but quickly realized the similarity of soil towards that of St.-Emilion. Though the components are more Cabernet-driven, there is definitely a floral and sensual character much akin to that of St.-Emilion in their winemaking style. Since its inception, the Daou brothers have committed incredible resources into researching optimal ways of growing the vines and tending the wines. But, what else would you expect when you place two tech-savvy geniuses with a passion for wine in the heart of grape country?
DAOU “The Pessimist” Red Blend 2017
Region: USA, California, Paso Robles
Grape Varietal(s): Petite Sirah 64%, Syrah 23%, Zinfandel 10%, Lagrein 2%, Tannat 1%
Viticulture: calcareous clay soil; SIP (sustainability in practice) certified
Method: tech sheets not available, but most likely destemmed, high-temp ferment, and aged in generous amounts of new oak
Age: Drink now through 2022
Tasting Notes: Black and blue fruits with cocoa, tobacco, baking spices, and leather: high alcohol and lush, gritty tannins
About DAOU “Pessimist”
If the front label and branding wasn’t enough to highlight the idea behind this wine, I’ve heard from good authority that another prominent “California Red Blend” led to the creation of this wine. I believe the story goes like this:
“I could make wine just like The [redacted].” - One of the Daou brothers
“Sure you could…” - everyone else
“Oh. I’ll do it. And for less than half the price.” - Science Master Daou
Skip forward a few years, low and behold, “The Pessimist” is born. Why the name? Well, “a Pessimist is never disappointed.” Also, same starting letter… only three syllables…. need we go on?
Person in the back of the room - “HEY! The sounds an awfully lot like The Priso-.” Ahem.
Why I’m excited about this wine
All jokes aside, I first had the opportunity to taste this wine at Sybill’s Restaurant in St. James, MIssouri. Over the last several years, her wine list has really taken off with some incredible options. Later that month, I had the opportunity to attend a DAOU tasting with Master Sommelier Fred Dame, and I became genuinely intrigued by the work the Daou brothers were doing. Skip ahead two weeks, and Sybill’s has to temporarily close due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Then, when my own staff asked me how long I think this will affect our current business, I had to tell them about my optimistic and Pessimistic views. I knew right away which wine I should bring in for the club, both as masochistic nod to our current situation, but also as a show of support of the wonderful culture our community has created. To Sybill, I hope to try The Pessimist in your dining room again soon, even if I had to bring the bottle myself!