Why You'll Love This Wine Named for the mother of founders Georges and Daniel Daou, Mayote represents enduring love and strength—and it shows in every sip. This is DAOU's signature statement wine: a bold, unconventional blend of Bordeaux and Rhône varieties grown on DAOU Mountain in Paso Robles' prestigious Adelaida District. Consistently one of their most powerful and sought-after bottlings. 94 points average across vintages.
Tasting Notes Dark garnet-purple in the glass with an opulent, layered nose. Aromas of blueberry, dark cherry, mocha, and graphite open up to reveal cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage. On the palate, it's medium-plus bodied with a silky, round mouthfeel—blackberry and graphite dominate, layered with black currant, cedar, black plum, and hints of black tea. The tannins are polished but present, with a dusty, fine-grained texture that frames the wine beautifully through a long, dry finish.
Food Pairings
- New York strip steak
- Braised lamb shoulder
- Slow-smoked brisket
- Aged gouda or blue cheese
Why It Works Mayote showcases Daniel Daou's mastery at blending varieties that don't traditionally share a bottle. The marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon's structure, Syrah's depth and spice, and Petit Verdot's color and grip creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Grown at 2,200 feet on DAOU Mountain—where limestone soils and extreme temperature swings mirror the conditions of Bordeaux's Right Bank—this wine delivers the intensity and complexity of a cult Cab at a fraction of the price. Built to age but impossibly delicious now.
