Wine Advocate 92 - top Pessimist ever:
The 2021 Pessimist is a blend of 75% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah, 11% Zinfandel, 2% Lagrein and 2% Malbec matured for 10 months in 60% new French oak. It has an opaque ruby-purple color and lush scents of cassis, blueberry jam, violet, lavender and hints of powdered sugar. The full-bodied palate is supple and fresh with gently candied fruits and a satisfying finish. This will be a crowd-pleaser.
Top Pessimist for Wilfred Wong, too:
The 2021 DAOU Pessimist speaks well of what Paso Robles brings to the wine world. TASTING NOTES: This powerful will built wine offers aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, and oaky notes. Enjoy its full yet smooth ride with grilled short ribs.
Daniel Daou says:
The 2021 vintage delivers yet another stunning blend with trademark Pessimist flair. This wine is powerful and intensely aromatic out of the glass, presenting fragrances of blueberry, boysenberry and black plum. Secondary layers reveal elderberry, truffle, cocoa and cardamom spice accented by hints of eucalyptus, leather, cherry pipe tobacco and grilled meats. Broad and expansive on the palate, it bestows lush, generous flavors of black cherry, blueberry crème de cassis and damp forest floor. Hints of lavender, anise and black olive complement the rich, ripe fruit flavors. Massive in weight yet elegantly structured, this wine is a powerhouse that reveals itself gradually yet deliberately. It finishes smoothly with leisure and length, on notes of blackberry, espresso bean and pomegranate.
He thinks it’s the best Pessimist he’s made, and we agree.