Bodyguard, 2021 [DAOU Vineyards]

Winemaker Notes

The 2019 Bodyguard is the next masterwork by Winemaker Daniel Daou. This wine opens with a vibrant, fragrant nose of blueberry cobbler, cherry pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and espresso laced with hints of sandalwood, licorice and pencil lead. Underlying layers reveal notes of mulberry and truffle, all accented by suggestions of black currant, kirsch, bay leaf and vanilla. The palate is silky and graceful, unfolding with lavish flavors of cherry pie, plum, blackberry jam and raspberry—all converging seamlessly with earthy notes of cigar box, leather, black olive and crushed sage. Ripe, supple tannins provide structure, volume and a velvety mouthfeel, resulting in a powerful, elegant finish with suggestions of cherry, cranberry, plum and crushed stone. While approachable now, the 2019 Bodyguard is a wine that will reward patient cellaring for years to come.

Blend: 58% Petit Verdot, 42% Petite Sirah

The 2017 Bodyguard is a sleek yet powerful blend of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah, displaying both opulence and structure. The 2017 vintage presents fragrant fruit aromas of blackberry, raspberry, currant and crème de cassis. Notes of cocoa, coffee, dark chocolate, licorice, and sweet cherry pipe tobacco are rounded out with whispers of truffle, toffee, mocha, and menthol. A juicy, fleshy palate offers bright, generous flavors of cherry, cranberry, strawberry, and blueberry tinged with black raspberry and tamarind—all supported by underlying accents of dusty leather, pencil shavings, cigar box, and crushed herbs. An elegantly styled and beautifully structured finish reverberates with focused energy, vibrant berry fruit and ripe, polished tannins.