Today we share the incredible story of Darioush. One of the birthplaces of wine, Northern Iran has records that date back to 5,000 B.C. where culture enjoyed 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.
I have long admired the lineup at Darioush. Darioush set out to craft the best overall lineup of wines in Napa. There is little doubt that Darioush is 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. The gardens are also spectacular there.
I loved the new wines across the board. Check out the 2023 Darioush Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is beautiful and fresh with a neat texture. I adored the 2022 Darioush ‘Drius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon(OB, 98) which is a stunning rendition of this beautiful wine. Learn more about this beautiful winery at darioush.com. Here are the outstanding new wines by Darioush.
2023 Darioush Chardonnay- The brilliant 2023 Darioush Chardonnay shows good freshness alongside poached pear and vanilla bean notes on the palate, with baking spice laced pastry crust and shades of mango. Complex and very delicious, enjoy now and over the next several years. Drink 2026-2032- 93
2022 Darioush ‘Duel’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Duel’ is half Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This is made by Darioush and his son, as the wine was stored in new French oak before bottling. This is well-balanced with roasted fig, dark currants, pencil lead and black forest cake flavors. Drink 2026-2035- 94
2023 Darioush Shiraz- 100% varietal the refined 2023 Shiraz is sense and delicious stuff with peppered brisket, dark currants, tar and pipe tobacco leaf. It is full-bodied with great verve and is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2035- 95
2022 Darioush ‘Darius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Opulent, nervy and intense, the 2022 ‘Darius II’ is a stunning wine from a challenging vintage. On the nose this takes on layers of tar, tobacco leaf and shades of black licorice. The palate is heady and plush wit serious nerve and richness. This has some