David Shaw

8.9

14.3% alc/vol. Ruby to dark red, moderate pigment extraction, very good clarity. Cherry, weedy greens and barrel wood aromas on nose. Cherry flavor with length, some seed bitterness on finish with leather and cherry pulp fruitiness. Aftertaste of cherry stone. Moderate skin and barrel tannin astringency after 30 minutes. Could use some decanting. Mint, blueberry and black currant flavors emerge after 60 minutes. Solid fruit expression for variety, shows well for Cali cool climate vineyard location in Templeton Gap. Perhaps more barrel character than some might prefer; not my usual style for the varietal but good fruit at its core, and well crafted overall. Castoro reds can be tannin-forward, and this Pinot noir is no exception. The natural question is: can you dig it when a Pinot noir is made this way? I love the challenge, but do you have the patience to age or decant this wine long enough to show all it can be? — 8 days ago

Shawn R

9.4

This wine got my attention-inaugural release yet shows sophistication and harmony. I decanted to let some of fruit simmer down. This is a wine that could pair with many foods. Has heft yet not heavy. A Grenache that I want more of! — 4 days ago

Jean-Francois Pelletier

9.3

Initially the nose presents huge amounts of white and black pepper, but with air it reveals jammy red and dark fruits, licorice and game. Fair amount of pepper and spice on the palate, ends with a good finish. — 12 days ago

Shay A

9.5

Monthly WTF group recap. Theme this month was “bring something special”. Normally we taste all of the wines blind, but we decided to do a relaxed night with amazing wines at a great restaurant. Spectacular evening!


I normally lean toward Syrah dominant wines, but I’m really starting to appreciate Saxum’s play on Grenache. Lots of spiced red fruits here like rhubarb and peppercorn dusted black cherries with some sweet baking spices. Great acidity here and not remotely close to tasting like its ABV. Palate is similar to the aromatics with bright red fruit but has a core of black peppercorn, jerky and underripe blackberries. Very good right now. — 6 days ago

with Steve, Michael and 8 others

Skip Smyser

9.5

My last bottle of this amazing vintage. I debated opening it but wife just had surgery and I thought this would cheer her up. Absolutely the right choice 🍷It continues to open up and release big lush red fruit with soft tannins and a lingering aftertaste. Will not further improve. Time to drink this Treasure 🍷 — 9 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Medium purple color. Aromas of blackberry jam, raspberry and tobacco. Loads of jammy blackberry in the palate. — 11 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

In hills of Paso Robles, not far from Hearst castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life to creating outstanding Cabernet’s. Deep red with dark berry nose, aged for 11 months on French oak (60% new). On the palate blackberry, black cherry and licorice, pepper spice with savory fine tannins. Medium+ finish ending with cacao and earthy herbs. Great value. The ‘17 is a bit richer than ‘16. Tasting Sample. — a day ago

Shay A

9.2

Monthly WTF group recap. Theme this month was “bring something special”. Normally we taste all of the wines blind, but we decided to do a relaxed night with amazing wines at a great restaurant. Spectacular evening!

This is my first time with this producer, so I don’t know their typical style. I found this to be very soft with a sweet baked fruit profile...hardly any acidity. Loads of blueberry fig, graham cracker, milk chocolate and candied red, blue and black fruit pie. Hedonistic in style. Thanks @Steve Bolger . — 6 days ago

with Michael, Steve and 8 others

"Odedi"

9.0

This is a very nice Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. Showing black fruits with earth, chocolates, light vegetables, oak, vanilla, licorice and coke.

Full-bodied and smooth with medium acidity.

Fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries on the finish.


Good by itself or with food. I paired it with cheeses and crackers.

A good sipping wine.

14.5% alcohol by Vol.

90 points. — 15 days ago

Matt Sterr

9.2

💯 % Cabernet Franc. PetNat. Minerals (Flintstone Vitamins). Dry and delicious. — 9 days ago