Patrimony (Daou) Caves des Lions Adelaida District 2018

100 points The Tasting Panel: "Earthy scents of truffle and licorice tempt the palate, encouraging further investigation. Mint coats a deep, rich blackberry core. Black-tea and dark-chocolate tannins wrap around the tongue as crushed stone intertwines with dried heather, creating a chalky sensation. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cab Franc is almost more Bordeaux-like than Paso—but it’s arguably more Paso than any other wine in the world. (Jul/Aug 2021)"

97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Gorgeous black fruits, chocolate, tobacco, iron, and spicy oak define the 2018 Caves Des Lions, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc brought up all in new French oak. Concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and elegant, it has a focused, straight, elegant texture, plenty of structure, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, if not more, and keep for two decades. (Sep 2021)"

95-97 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 Caves des Lions is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, expected to age 28 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and deep scents of rose petals, cured meats, tobacco leaves and cedar over a core of pure, crushed blackcurrants with loads of exotic perfume. The full-bodied palate is firm and very finely grained with full, ripe flavors and just enough freshness, finishing very long and layered. Drink: 2020-2040. (Oct 2020)"

97 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Dark, bright-rimmed purple. Powerful, highly expressive scents of cherry liqueur, cassis, fruitcake, vanilla and rose oil; pipe tobacco and smoky oak nuances add complexity. Deeply concentrated, oak-spiced dark berry preserve, cherry pie and mocha flavors stain the palate, and an undercurrent of juicy acidity conveys an impressively energetic quality. Plush, densely packed and extremely young, finishing with powerful, spicy thrust, youthfully chewy tannins and striking persistence. Drink: 2025-2035. (Dec 2020 )"

96 points James Suckling: "Extremely perfumed and bright with blackberry and blueberry character. Some dried tobacco, too. Full-bodied, tight and focused with savory flavor. Soft, fine tannins. Seaweed and soya to the dark-fruit flavors. Ripe fruit in the center palate. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years with bottle age. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% cabernet franc. (5/5/21)"