Wine tasting Daou is the perfect activity to celebrate Spring moving into Summer

Ready to get out and spend time with friends? Wine tasting is definitely the way to enjoy time with people and celebrate food and the joy of viticulture. Daou Mountain provides an amazing selection of varietals and options for every wine lovers palate. The winemaker and co-proprietor, Daniel Daou is passionate, thoughtful, inquisitive, and focused on his approach to the art of winemaking. It is absolutely clear in his choice of grapes, his selection of terroir “between Bordeaux and Napa”, and his concern for the wine enthusiast who is waiting to drink his next vintages. There is time, consideration, planning, flexibility, and appreciation of every part of the winemaking process put into each bottle of Daou Vineyards wine.

Wine tasting at Arizona Country Club, my friends and I were able to experience not only the amazing food provided by the chef but also a walk through the myriad of wines Daou offers. I have been to Paso Robles – Daou’s home – before, but have not visited the winery. My preconceptions of a “Paso wine" went out the window the moment the first wine was served. I was transported to places that I have also tasted wines – Provence, Florence, Napa – it was wonderful to be so surprised! I hope you will try these wines and be as pleasantly shocked as I was… And – these are just a couple of the ones I purchased and can’t wait to serve to friends and family…

Daou Rose

Admittedly, I like rose in the summer (and we are heading there fast with the temperatures in AZ). My husband will drink it if I open a bottle but he would prefer a chardonnay. He couldn’t stop drinking this. I’m still not even sure how Daniel was able to create this complex wine - in it’s second year of production - but I am so happy that he did! It’s everything a rose would typically be (crisp, refreshing, summery – quotes from my girlfriends at the table😊). But – it’s also not overly fruity – it ends with a finish that borders between pear and peach – there was a big debate at the table on this one but ultimately we decided that “it’s just great!”

Daou Seventeen Forty 2018

Something sticks with me from last night as a habitual chardonnay drinker. Daniel said that he doesn’t want his wines to ‘scratch you’. I agree. Some red wines ‘scratch me’ and I don’t like them. BUT – this doesn’t (neither do any of his reds but this one is really special…). There are tannins, there is pronounced fruit, there is a really red wine feel – but you won’t feel scratched. The mouth feel is smooth, pleasing, and demonstrative without being overstated. It’s enjoyable to sip and amazing to drink with a great piece of red meat (like we had…). It would be wonderful with a firepit and great conversation. Bottom line – I would challenge you to find a reason not to enjoy this wine.