Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/137110
we c h n o l o n g t i n ema k i g y sulfur to 25-30 ppm. None of his red wines are fined or filtered. Sales and recognition The winery currently produces about 10,000 cases wholesale, sold in 49 states and in a few international markets. The reserve production is limited to 2,000 cases and sold through the winery's tasting room, which is open seven days a week. At the very top of Daou's production pyramid are the Mayote and Soul of a Lion blends, which are listed at $85 and $100, respectively. The two wines are named for the Daou brothers' parents and represent Daou's best efforts in the vineyard and winery. So far, Daou said recognition is lagging for his wines and those of Paso Robles in general. He's been disappointed with some of the scores his best wines have received but sees it more as a reflection on the region. "We get downgraded because we're Paso," he said. The scores will come, Daou said, after he demonstrates his estate can produce consistent, balanced wines. If the critics don't see that now, Daou said he's fine with waiting. "I'm willing to take a beating for a couple of years," he said. Wrapping up his tour of the estate, Daou pulls to the top of a hill with sweeping views of the mountains and Paso Robles. He remarks again on the wonderful benefits of the soil before talking about his vision for adding luxury accommodations to the estate. The planned "five-star bed and breakfast" would feature eight casitas for wine club members and other visi- tors and would crown the hill planted with "Cabernet all the way to the top." Daou expects to build the lodgings by 2015. From his hilltop estate, Daou already enjoys an elevated position, but he is focused on raising the reputation of his wine as well as that of the region. "I want to elevate the bar for everybody, not just for myself." Many of the vineyards at the Daou's Paso Robles estate are planted on steep hillsides. Win es & V i n es JU LY 20 13 51