Rated 3.86 out of 5 based on 75 customer ratings

(76 customer reviews)

Daou ‘The Pessimist’ 2021

$21.95

750ml /

Vintage: 2021

WE 93
WIL 91

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Winery: Daou Wine
Varietal: Rare Red Blend Wine
Winemaker: Daniel Daou
Wine Style: Red Wine - Rich and Intense
Wine Country Of Origin: United States
State / Province: California
Sub Region / AVA: Central Coast / San Luis Obispo County / Paso Robles

Wine Description

Daou ‘The Pessimist’ 2021 is a bright and full-bodied blend of 76% Petite Sirah, 12% Zinfandel, 10% Syrah and 2% Lagrein for a complexity of flavor. This powerhouse of a wine offers intense aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, black plum, elderberry, truffle, cocoa and cardamom, with lingering notes of eucalyptus, leather, cherry pipe tobacco and grilled meats.

On the palate, lush, generous flavors of black cherry, blueberry creme de cassis and damp forest floor mix with hints of lavender, anise and black olive. It is massive in weight yet elegantly structured. The finish is smooth with leisure and length, complete with notes of blackberry, espresso bean and pomegranate.

This well-balanced beauty was crafted under the winemaking expertise of Daniel Daou, and is aged for 10 months in 50% new French oak barrels that lend a perfect amount of oak influence to the wine. Climate, wine making processes, and unique terrior together have created this evocative Pessimist blend.

Having earned an impressive 93 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Daou ‘The Pessimist’ 2021 is certain to turn ‘pessimists’ into ‘optimists’ with its gorgeous fruit-forward aromas, rich, full body, and soft tannins. Enjoy this beautifully crafted blend to full effect with roasted meats, charcuterie, and gamey dishes.

Reviews (76)

76 reviews for Daou ‘The Pessimist’ 2021

Rated 4 out of 5

Maurice Bayerl – December 12, 2019

Decant for 40 minutes, transforms into a better wine.
Rated 4 out of 5

Kim House – December 19, 2019

Berries, oak, pepper, lingering finish.
Rated 4 out of 5

Roberto Gordon – December 25, 2019

Drinkable, but too fruit-forward for my taste.
Rated 3 out of 5

Michael Kulig – January 23, 2020

Fruity, but too sweet with food.
Rated 4 out of 5

Michelle Warner – February 8, 2020

Full-bodied and enjoyable, great for drinking. Will buy again.
Rated 4 out of 5

Margaret Stoneberg – April 8, 2020

Review: Avoid. No fruit. Musty. No redeeming qualities. Overpriced at $20.
Rated 4 out of 5

Cory Flores – April 10, 2020

Great value, fruit-forward but not jammy. Versatile Paso Robles expression.
Rated 4 out of 5

Benjamin Cox – April 30, 2020

Virtual tasting on 29/04/2020. Wine from South of San Francisco. 64% petite Shiraz, 23% Shiraz, 10% Zinfandel, 2% Lagrein, 1% Tannat. Notes of tobacco. Finishes with blackberry/blueberry. Pairs well with venison or chili.
Rated 3 out of 5

Brandon Bierce – May 19, 2020

Disappointing. Appropriately named wine with a purple label but tasted like cheap wine from Walgreens. Not recommended.
Rated 4 out of 5

Briana Cannaday – June 16, 2020

Palate: Big, boozy fruit bomb (Zin) with hints of leather and earth. Overpriced, but supposed to be a take on The Prisoner.
Rated 4 out of 5

Julie Peck – June 20, 2020

Blueberry pie: very sweet, dark fruit, high alcohol, smooth. Pair with dessert.
Rated 4 out of 5

Velma Fitzsimmons – June 28, 2020

Great value wine with a fruity punch and sturdy backbone. Perfectly complements grilled beef steak.
Rated 3 out of 5

Timothy Carson – July 24, 2020

Intense smoky fruit aroma with hints of black olive, pepper, and liquorice. Full-bodied with fine tannins and good acidity. Perfumed fruit quality on second taste. Overall, pretty decent.
Rated 3 out of 5

Ben Collins – August 1, 2020

Berry notes dominate with light hints of vanilla. Good, but priced at $25.
Rated 4 out of 5

Michele Postlewait – August 2, 2020

Flavors of cherry and granite present.
Rated 4 out of 5

Hazel Houston – September 19, 2020

“Nice red blend, exceeded expectations. Perfect for everyday drinking.”
Rated 4 out of 5

Tamara Driscoll – September 19, 2020

Bitter aftertaste for an hour, followed by a distinctive collection of fruits.
Rated 4 out of 5

Ollie Johnson – June 5, 2021

“Best under $20 wine I’ve had in a long time. Big, dark, great nose, full-bodied and great finish. Blew everyone away on the boat. Amazing QPR ratio.”
Rated 3 out of 5

Damien Herrera – July 22, 2021

Bold and fruity with a strong grip. Surprisingly good.
Rated 4 out of 5

Kristin Pettit – July 30, 2021

Paso Robles Petite Syrah blend @restaurant: Dark red, red fruit on nose & palate. Ample acid, medium tannins. Good sipping wine w/ dinner.
Rated 4 out of 5

John Hansen – August 14, 2021

Great value for a red blend.
Rated 4 out of 5

Gertrude Willis – September 12, 2021

Blend of 74% Petite Sirah, 13% Syrah, and 13% Zinfandel.
Rated 4 out of 5

Ginger Davis – September 24, 2021

Fruit-forward, quaffable and shareable.
Rated 4 out of 5

Joshua Blevins – October 16, 2021

Smooth with subtle oak and vanilla notes, buttery finish. Dark fruits, red cherry, cassis and smoke. Easy to drink but be careful, it’s 15% alcohol with a touch of residual sugar.
Rated 4 out of 5

Wesley Waldvogel – October 30, 2021

Durif is a must-try for Petite Sirah lovers. Harvested from ripe grapes in sunny Paso Robles, this is a rich, fruity wine with a 15.2%ABV. The wine has blackberry, black plum, dark chocolate, leather, coffee, black pepper, blueberry, and black tea flavors. Mid-grade tannins and gentle acidity make for a beautiful mouthfeel. It’s a $17 bottle from DAOU vineyards and gets 5 stars from me.
Rated 4 out of 5

Steven Mendieta – November 5, 2021

Full-bodied with blue and black fruit notes, this wine is crowd-pleasing with a tannic spice that’s present but subdued. Aging won’t do much, but it’s drinking well now with an hour or two of opening. Good QPR.
Rated 4 out of 5

Tanya Miller – December 18, 2021

Full-bodied with a plummy and black fruit nose, hints of violets and dried meat. Dark on the palate with oak, spices, and vanilla. Finishes with crushed rocks.
Rated 4 out of 5

Dorethea Hronick – December 30, 2021

Fruit forward, dry, food-friendly, enjoyable. Complimented brisket well. Would buy again.
Rated 4 out of 5

Charles Thiel – January 2, 2022

This Petite Sirah is a concentrated, brash, and unapologetic wine bursting with flavors of baked plum, blueberry compote, blackberry preserves, and vanilla bean oak. Priced just right at around $20, it pulls off a sense of balance with well-integrated acidity. Best enjoyed now, it’s a fun and artfully crafted wine.
Rated 3 out of 5

Charlotte Beachum – January 5, 2022

Medium-bodied with a touch of sweetness, but slightly heavy.
Rated 4 out of 5

Elizabeth Reed – January 12, 2022

Great value for money. Will repurchase.
Rated 4 out of 5

Betty Felix – January 19, 2022

Dark fruit, smoky, peppery, pairs well with chicken Alfredo. Smooth tannins and buttery finish.
Rated 4 out of 5

Beth Davenport – January 23, 2022

Balanced black fruit juice with notes of berries and plums, vanilla oak, and lengthy finish.
Rated 4 out of 5

Daniel Reyes – March 9, 2022

Great 2018, okay 2019. Confused if had two 2019s or a 2018 and a 2019. Needs another to be sure. First bottle outstanding.
Rated 4 out of 5

Ginny Cottrell – March 22, 2022

Blue fruit with a hint of smoke and oak, slightly acidic and not too sweet.
Rated 4 out of 5

David Ginn – May 2, 2022

Great fruit forward wine.
Rated 4 out of 5

Irene Fontaine – May 3, 2022

Rich and fruity, medium+ body. Loved by all. Need more!
Rated 4 out of 5

Marvin Hewitt – May 15, 2022

Smooth and mineral blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, and Zinfandel. No pairing required.
Rated 4 out of 5

Brian Stobie – June 20, 2022

Purple with blueberry and lavender aroma, soft tannins, fruity with notes of Christmas spices, vanilla, and cola. Buy again.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jacqueline Courson – July 2, 2022

Full-bodied and juicy with currants, black cherries, and oak. High ABV is well-integrated, hibiscus tannin adds flavor and structure. Solid wine.
Rated 4 out of 5

Nathan Kyzer – July 9, 2022

Over-extracted, tasted like grapefruit cooler. Not worth the money.
Rated 4 out of 5

Sonia Andrade – July 20, 2022

Recommended for fans of big, dark and full Paso profiles. Good value and smooth. Prefer over Austin Hope Quest at the same price point. Will buy more.
Rated 3 out of 5

Audrey Poole – July 31, 2022

Short and sweet: Versatile and light.
Rated 4 out of 5

Shonda Hendershot – August 27, 2022

Smooth and flavorful. Delicious on its own.
Rated 3 out of 5

Steven Jones – September 2, 2022

Not worth tasting in a Pinot Noir lineup. Sweet, viscous, sour, and awful. No score given, will try again another night.
Rated 4 out of 5

Carl Brown – September 8, 2022

Review: Thick and dark, with berry aromas and a tannic structure. Made of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Lagrein, with a 15.2% alcohol level. Enjoy now or in the future.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jaime Hyer – September 28, 2022

Tasty.
Rated 4 out of 5

Richard Sheaffer – October 16, 2022

Perfect with smoked brisket and as an aperitif.
Rated 4 out of 5

Ricky Johnson – October 22, 2022

Not a fan of the overly stylized quasi Port.
Rated 4 out of 5

Margaret Gladden – October 25, 2022

Easy-to-drink wine with a blend of Petite Syrah, Syrah, Grenache, and Zin. Concentrated dark fruit with medium tannins and freshness. A great alternative to California Cab at $20.
Rated 3 out of 5

David Lupkes – October 29, 2022

Average, not impressive.
Rated 4 out of 5

Janet Bells – November 3, 2022

Flat and drinkable, with a disappearing vegetal taste. Low tannin and acid, not offensive.
Rated 4 out of 5

Miquel Ahuna – November 12, 2022

Off-dry with some character, great with food.
Rated 4 out of 5

Mildred Constantine – November 19, 2022

Heavy, artificial oak muddles the slightly candied fruit in this unappealing red. Hard to distinguish from an $8 Jacob’s Creek.
Rated 4 out of 5

Susan Turpin – November 23, 2022

Palate coated with dark cherry and apricot fruit. Earth, pipe tobacco and mushroom notes. Not ideal as a food wine.
Rated 3 out of 5

Armando Cannon – December 11, 2022

Daou Petite Sirah blend offers a nice balance of bark and raspberry cola with a plush smoothness. A great choice to serve blind to friends.
Rated 4 out of 5

Blanche Eley – December 12, 2022

Consistently excellent, fantastic value at $18.
Rated 4 out of 5

Thomas Ramos – December 18, 2022

Decent wine with dark chocolate and earth flavor. Not complex but good for the price.
Rated 4 out of 5

Kevin Lemaster – December 23, 2022

Tasty!
Rated 4 out of 5

Gilberto Meacham – December 23, 2022

Dark ruby color with notes of boysenberry, dark chocolate, brown spice, and tobacco. Ripe, lush, and balanced with a quaffable taste.
Rated 4 out of 5

George Mackey – December 24, 2022

Rich and dark, this blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Lagrein is best paired with rich food like pâté.
Rated 4 out of 5

Kevin Jackson – January 1, 2023

Good party wine, but forgettable.
Rated 4 out of 5

Charles Meyer – January 4, 2023

Dark and hot.
Rated 4 out of 5

Manuel Burge – January 14, 2023

Decent daily with dark fruit notes and medium tannin, slightly thin.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jeremy Duty – January 21, 2023

“Recommend this spicy, well-rounded blend.”
Rated 4 out of 5

James Kuster – February 9, 2023

Go-to table wine. $20 at Costco and Total Wine. Rounded palette with dark fruit and berry notes.
Rated 4 out of 5

Susan Patterson – March 3, 2023

Soft, grapey, and mass-pleasing. Easy to drink with homemade pizza.
Rated 4 out of 5

Robert Smith – March 14, 2023

Balanced with subtle fruit notes.
Rated 4 out of 5

Nancy Roth – March 21, 2023

Good taste, poor structure.
Rated 4 out of 5

WIL – March 23, 2023

The 2021 DAOU Pessimist speaks well of what Paso Robles brings to the wine world. TASTING NOTES: This powerful will built wine offers aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, and oaky notes. Enjoy its full yet smooth ride with grilled short ribs.
Rated 4 out of 5

Sarah Edmunds – April 8, 2023

“Go-to” table wine, deep and rich with a hint of sweetness. Unbeatable at $20.
Rated 3 out of 5

Jessica Pershall – April 17, 2023

Review: Appearance 3, Aroma/Bouquet 5, Taste/Texture 5, Aftertaste 2, Overall Impression 2. Total 17/20. Price: $20 at Costco.
Rated 4 out of 5

Tony Aubuchon – April 22, 2023

Delicious blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Lagrein. Great value, perfect for parties, and a nice after-dinner sipper. Would buy again.
Rated 4 out of 5

Phyllis Brown – April 25, 2023

Dark, ripe, sweet, and crowd-pleasing wine with a light structure.
Rated 4 out of 5

Robert Garvie – April 29, 2023

Superb wine.
Rated 4 out of 5

Nadine Canfield – May 16, 2023

Deep purple with smoky cherry notes, this full-bodied blend of petite sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Lagrein is complex and has a long finish. JI=2.

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Critical Acclaim

WE 93

Wine Enthusiast

This widely available red blend satisfies in so many ways. Hearty aromas of thick, dark fruit, smoke and anise lead from the nose into a rich palate that's loaded with cassis and violet. A persistent peel of acidity adds balance.

WIL 91

Wilfred Wong

The 2021 DAOU Pessimist speaks well of what Paso Robles brings to the wine world. TASTING NOTES: This powerful will built wine offers aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, and oaky notes. Enjoy its full yet smooth ride with grilled short ribs.