Daou Vineyards 'Patrimony' Black Label 2020

The 2020 Daou Vineyards Patrimony “Black Label” is a cult Paso Robles red Wine from the USA, drawn from DAOU Mountain’s calcareous ridges and crafted entirely from free‑run Cabernet Sauvignon for purity, depth, and decades of cellar life. Aged 30 months in 100% new French oak from elite cooperages, it marries immense concentration with polish in the Patrimony house style.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby; cassis, blueberry, pomegranate, and currant layered with tobacco, dark chocolate, pencil lead, and toasted spice; full‑bodied, fresh, and impeccably balanced with a long, mineral‑lined finish.

Black Label vs Standard

• Selection: Black Label uses only the most extraordinary barrels; standard Patrimony draws from a broader elite selection.
• Style: Black Label is denser, more layered, and longer on the finish; standard Patrimony is powerful yet slightly earlier-drinking.
• Élevage: Black Label sees longer time in bespoke new French oak; standard Patrimony uses premium oak with a shorter timeline.
• Rarity & Price: Black Label is far more limited and positioned above the standard bottling.

Winemaking & Vineyard

Native-yeast fermentation; only free‑run juice; 30 months in bespoke new French oak (e.g., Taransaud T5, custom toasts); sourced from high‑elevation, limestone‑rich parcels on DAOU Mountain in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District.

Critics

James Suckling: 95 points (2020) — “well‑composed… berries, plums, cassis; full‑bodied with fine, firm tannins; generous ripe berries and spice”.