THE STORY

When Georges and Daniel Daou were children, the Daou family was forced to flee Beirut at the advent of the Lebanese Civil War. Their mother, Marie Daou, summoned her innate courage and strength, leading the family to safety in France where they would build a new life. Bodyguard honors the love and hope that defined this impactful time. True to form, this wine marries two varietals of tremendous power: A blend of 59% Petit Verdot and 41% Petite Sirah. Bodyguard showcases Daniel’s mastery of high phenolic grapes—allowing him to create rich, powerful wines with elegance, restraint and complexity. Daniel uses his winemaking artistry and phenolic mastery to tame these dark, tannic grapes, creating a beautifully balanced and accessible cult wine.

THE VINEYARDS

Bodyguard comes from standout Paso Robles vineyards selected and overseen by Winemaker Daniel Daou. Daniel has worked closely with these vineyards for numerous vintages, allowing him to maintain absolute quality and consistency.

The vineyards contributing to Bodyguard are located on the coastal westside of Paso Robles as well as El Pomar District east of Templeton—areas that are known for producing world-class red wines. DAOU Mountain’s combination of remarkable geology, microclimate, a 2,200-foot elevation, and steep slopes gives it a terroir described as “a jewel of ecological elements.

THE PROFILE

The wine is fermented with DAOU’s proprietary D20 yeast and made exclusively from free-run juice to ensure purity of flavor. Finally, it is aged for 15 months in 50% new French Oak. The 2018 vintage presents fragrant fruit aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and crème de cassis. Notes of cocoa and dark chocolate are round out with whispers of mocha and menthol. An elegantly styled and beautifully structured finish reverberates with focused energy, vibrant berry fruit and ripe, polished tannins.

The resulting wine is an unconventionaland imaginative blend that could onlycome from Daniel Daou. Bodyguard pairsperfectly with grilled steak, burgers,meatloaf, and lasagna.

DAOUVINEYARDS.COM

2018

True happiness is safety in the arms of love.