Darioush is named after owner Darioush Khaledi. After growing up in Shiraz, Iran, Darioush moved to the United States and made his fortune in the grocery store business. With money in hand, Darioush went from collecting wine to deciding he wanted to make it. To get there, he hired winemaker and vineyard manager Steve Devitt. The rest as they say...
Darioush focuses on red Bordeaux varietals as well as Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Viognier. While the winery is known for its Cabernet, for me, the Shiraz always steals the show. Note that all of the wines were a bit warm.The winery has easily one of the most outrageous tasting rooms you will ever see – a Persian palace – complete with columns outside and indoor waterfalls.
We had a pleasant surprise at Darioush meeting Marisol Ramirez, associate producer of the movie Merlove. Ramirez states that they are hoping to do a showing of the movie in the Seattle area this summer.
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| Wines: | ||||
| Score | Name | Notes | $ | |
| + | Darioush Signature Chardonnay 2007 | Straw colored. Spice notes on the nose. Silky smooth with bracing acidity. 100% Chardonnay. Darioush Estate Vineyards in Napa Valley, Oak Knoll and Carneros. 1720 cases produced. Sampled at 59 degrees. | $43 | |
| + | Darioush Russian River Chardonnay 2006 | Light straw colored. Abundant spicy oak interlaced with subtle crushed red pepper aromas. A bit sharp. 100% Chardonnay. 502 cases produced. | $48 | |
| * | Darioush Russian River Pinot Noir 2006 | An appealing nose with strawberry, mint, and generous amounts of orange peel. A light and lively wine that is exceptionally well put together with a mix of elegance and power. 100% Pinot Noir. 894 cases produced. Sampled at 67 degrees. | $48 | |
| * | Darioush Signature Merlot Napa Valley 2005 | Dark ruby color. Vanilla, mocha powder, light black pepper, and oak aromas. A dry, big, full bodied wine full of spice box and cherry tastes. 96% Merlot; 4% Cab Franc. Darioush Estate Vineyards, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll, Mt. Veeder. 1912 cases produced. Sampled at 70 degrees.
| $48 | |
| * | Darioush Duel 2006 | Ruby. An alluring nose with lots of oak aromas, notably vanilla and spice, along with peppercorn, mint, and pencil shavings. Taste seems quite young and tight. Puckering with lots of cherry. 60% Cabernet; 40% Shiraz. Darioush Estate Vineyards in Napa Valley and Oak Knoll 2,688 cases produced. Sampled at 70 degrees. | $42 | |
| * | Darioush Signature Cabernet Napa Valley 2006 | Dark garnet. Violets and black currant show on the nose with light spices sitting on top. Gripping, intense tannins on the taste. Young but will be quite good. Give 3-5 years. 85% Cabernet; 9% Merlot; 3% Cab Franc; 3% Malbec. 9910 cases produced. | $80 | |
| ** | Darioush Signature Shiraz Napa Valley 2006 | Dark ruby with purple tinges. Blueberry stems, clove, black licorice. Tightly wound on the taste but will be exceptional. Just released. 100% Shiraz. Darioush Estate Vineyards in Napa Valley and Oak Knoll. 1,160 cases produced. | $68 | |
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