In the late 1990’s, while the focus was on northern Napa Valley, Darioush and Winemaker Steve Devitt focused intently on site selection and cooler, maritime-influenced micro climates of Southern Napa Valley and atop Mount Veeder. Together, they saw the potential of Bordeaux varieties grown from these unique, more temperate sites in crafting balanced wines with deep character, grace, complexity, and poise. Early vintages of the flagship release, Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon were applauded by critics, capturing a coveted spot on Wine Spectator’s top 100 list and continue to garner praise for their style and distinction. The hallmark of Darioush is its seamlessness, the result of decades of meticulous vineyard management of the cooler climate, Southern Napa Valley sites. Darioush estate vineyards in the Mount Veeder and Napa Valley AVA’s have hit their stride, producing fruit with splendid concentration, compelling freshness, and graceful complexity. The final composition strikes a tightrope balance of youthful energy, structure, and restraint; the flagship wine rewards with extraordinary depth and poise.
2018 Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon $164.95 per bottle – six packs
Deep purple black colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals notions of warm cassis, blueberry preserves and boysenberries with touches of cedar chest, cherry cola and spice cake. Full-bodied, the palate has a firm, grainy texture and a lively line carrying the spicy black berry preserves flavors to a nice long finish.
2018 Darioush Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon $84.95 per bottle – six packs
The 2018 Darioush Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon is a plush Bordeaux-style blend that epitomizes the stylistic profile that’s signature Darioush.
Round, supple and sleek – all are traits of Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon, and the exemplary 2018 vintage is no exception. Anchored by a significant blend of Merlot, the wine opens with decadent top notes of chocolate coated cherries, fig and black currants. The palate showcases ripe red fruit, cherry and plum, with firm tannins and hints of spice – cinnamon, vanilla and cherry liqueur. This is a substantial wine, built to age, yet equally enjoyable in its youth.
Caravan shares the pedigree of Darioush’s Signature wines, but displays more ripe, saturated fruit with an elegantly textured finish. Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon is anchored in Cabernet Sauvignon with lesser amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and/or Malbec added for depth and complexity of flavour.
2018 Darioush Duel $84.95 per bottle – six packs
Duel is an experimental winemaking endeavor dedicated to the belief that unexpected blends can be more compelling than solitary pursuits. The 2017 vintage is a first-time blend that harmonizes the inherently dark fruit and exotic spice of Shiraz with the satisfying freshness and fruit density of Petit Verdot. Each offering of Duel varies in composition, to highlight the vintage’s intensity and conjure oneness from dark and bright elements alike. Tantalizing aromas of lilac, lavender and savoury blackberry jam make way for this exceptionally fruited, full-bodied wine experience. On entry, plush flavours of black cherry, plum and crème de cassis are steadied by licorice and dried herb notes. This multi-dimensional wine exhibits layer upon layer of saturated dark fruits, earth, and spice. A youthful blend, framed by ripe tannins, 2017 Duel promises to impress for many years to come.