2012 Daou Mayote
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Tasting notes
It's no surprise that the Daou brothers blend ofSyrahCabernet Sauvignon andPetit Verdot packs a rich blueberry, dark chocolate and espresso nose. Nor is the lush mouthfeel, the grippy, fine-grained tannins, or the the black cherry, stewed beef and black peppercorn flavor profile particularly shocking. It's just another massive, delicious and dark wine from their portfolio.
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Wine Enthusiast
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Opaque ruby. Ripe dark berry and pipe tobacco scents are complicated by a smoky accent and a hint of potpourri. Broad, fleshy and seamless, offering sweet blackberry and cherry compote flavors that spread out impressively on the back half. Shows excellent clarity on the clinging, smoothly tannic finish.
A blend of 45% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, the 2012 Mayote saw 22 months in 100% new French oak. It shows it as well and has plenty of sweet oak in its leather, spice, peppery herbs and dark fruits. During my tastings of the '12s, I found that a lot of the wines didn't soak up their elevage quite as successfully as the '13s (and I think '14s as well); nevertheless, this has plenty of fruit and a good finish. Give bottles a year or so and enjoy through 2025.
The 2012 Mayote is a big step up from the 2011. Raspberry jam, spices, menthol and new leather all meld together beautifully in the glass. Beams of underlying tannin give the wine its balance and sense of proportion. There is a lot to look forward to here. Mayote is a Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot blend.