This widely available red blend satisfies in so many ways. Hearty aromas of thick, dark fruit, smoke and anise lead from the nose into a rich palate that's loaded with cassis and violet. A persistent peel of acidity adds balance.

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.

A wildly fresh bouquet of violets, lavender, cooling smoke and sugar- dusted blueberries wafts up as the 2021 Pessimist by DAOU unfolds in the glass. It's soft-textured yet energetic in style. Candied citrus hints accentuate cooling mineral tones and crisp wild berry fruits. The 2021 finishes with impressive length yet lightly structured. Violette Pastille and crunchy mineral tones slowly fade.