Daou Vineyards and Winery, Paso Robles (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

This is a big-time Cab with plenty of power and punch, and yet that’s not all that it brings to the party.  Dark color and prominent oak scents provide adequate warning of the assertiveness of the wine, and deep flavors with plenty of blackberry fruit follow through on the palate, yet the wine is neither heavy nor astringent, and each sip has a beckoning effect rather than an off-putting one.  Pair this with grilled red meat dishes.  Platinum award winner at the 2014 San Diego International Wine Competition.