The Darioush story is an incredible tale of the American dream. Northern Iran is one of the birthplaces of wine, as records from 5,000 B.C. indicate a nomad culture living there and celebrating wine. Darioush Khaledi was instilled at an early age with the winemaking craft of his father and began collecting fine wine at a young age. He migrated from Iran to the United States and owned what was once the largest family-owned grocery store business in California. His passion for wine met its apex in 1997 when he formed Darioush winery. Darioush Khaledi is an inspired American dream.
After an incredible business success, Darioush set out to craft the best overall lineup of wines in Napa. Darioush created one of the most beautiful wineries in the entire west coast. Upon entering the winery you are greeted by Persian inspired pillars that make you feel like you’re entering a royal palace. Imported travertine lines the entire winery and the calming water feature inside the winery really is something special. You have to check out the Provence inspired garden setting that literally feels like a world away.
The new lineup of wines by Darioush was amazing across the board. I loved the new 2020 Darioush Viognier (OB, 93) which is soft and generous with outstanding length. I adored the new 2018 Darioush Shiraz (OB, 95) which is one of the great Syrah bottling I have tasted this year from Napa. Learn more about this special winery at darioush.com. Here are the great new wines by Darioush.
2020 Darioush Viognier- Fresh and beautifully textured, the 2020 Darioush Viognier is a spectacular new wine that has some good cellaring potential. Ripe kiwi, starfruit and melon tones combine with minerals and wet stone and nutty undertones on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy now, be sure at a warmer temperature where the full range can be displayed. Drink 2021-2028- 93
2019 Darioiush ‘Sage Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2019 Darioush ‘Sage Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant and beautiful textured bottling that has some aging potential. Ripe kiwi, starfruit and banana flavors combine with nutty and honeydew melon undertones on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has another decade of life in front of it. Drink 2021-2029- 93
2019 Darioush Pinot Noir- This edition is another outstanding release by Darioush. Soft, round and generous with a silky texture, this delivers beautiful red cherry cola, red raspberry and tobacco leaf undertones with shades of freshly tilled soils. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 94
2018 Darioush Shiraz- The color here is crazy inky, as the 2018 Shiraz revels in its gorgeous aromatics ranging from blueberry pie to black tea and espresso bean with loamy soils. The palate is fresh and vibrant with dense dark and blue fruit flavors and silky tannins that line them. With more air comes more flavor complexity with light dried herbs and smoked BBQ beef rib flavors come into play. Highly delicious to consume right now, this has another fifteen years in the cellar to go. Drink 2021-2035- 95
2018 Darioush Cabernet Franc- The 2018 Darioush Cabernet Franc was sourced from Darioush estate vineyards in Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak and throughout the Napa Valley. Aged for 22 months in 70% new French & European oak barrels, this 100% Cabernet Franc wine shows boysenberry liquor aromatics woven together with exotic spices, loamy soils and dark chocolate shavings that all meld in the glass. The palate is deep and intense, with wonderful dark currants, dark chocolate covered espresso bean, and creme de violette tones, mingling with the dusty terroir. The combination of viscosity and freshness is gorgeous, as this splendid bottling reminds you why Darioush has such a sterling reputation for Cabernet Franc. Be sure to give this a long decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2022-2040- 96
2018 Darioush ‘Duel’ Red Wine- The ‘Duel’ is a one of a kind project by Darioush that combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Right away you are allured by the intense red and dark fruits that parade with cocoa powder, baking spices and dried herbal aromatics. The palate is plush and dense, with a wonderful hedonistic bent, yet showing plenty of bright acidity and firm tannins to hold things in place. Ripe red currants, cigar ash, blackberry torte and shades of mocha all impress on the palate. Deep and delicious to enjoy in its youth, this has some serious aging potential. Drink 2020-2035- 94
