Daou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2018

There is a man with a Homeric vision in the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle. His name is Daniel Daou, and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world.

Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, a tangible serenity embraces the DAOU Spanish Colonial-style winery. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald-green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment, and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100-acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited-production winery. This kind of harmony rarely happens in a superlative climate, terroir, intensive vineyard culture, and cutting-edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than in Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family-style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.