DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon - 750ml

The limestone-rich soil really comes through in the finish — there's a mineral edge that makes this Cab feel more refined than its price suggests. The cool nights and altitude keep the tannins in check while the fruit stays ripe. This one's a regular in my rotation now.

The extended ripening from those limestone soils really shows — this pours deep and dark with a cassis note that stuck around long after dinner. Tannins are smooth enough to drink now, though I'm curious how a bottle would taste in a couple years.

I grabbed a bottle for a steak dinner and was surprised how smooth it drank for the price, with darker fruit and a soft finish. That Paso Robles ripeness really shows without feeling jammy.