A bouquet of rum-soaked cherries and roses is complicated by hints of tobacco, sweet spice and vanilla bean as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Patrimony comes to life in the glass. It’s elegant and silky, with an almost molten chocolate mouthfeel. Oak-inflected crushed wild berries and cherries ride a core of vibrant acidity. A web of sweet tannins remains through the lightly structured yet long finale. A pleasantly bitter tinge of blackberries and mocha resonates. While wonderfully balanced and enjoyable, the 2021 simply lacks the impactful wow factor of past vintages. That said, no fan of DAOU will want to miss it.

95 Pts Vinous