Jun 26

Written by: Jarrod Price
6/26/2008 3:24 PM

Recently we sampled the outstanding new vintage of Darioush Wines on a visit from our supplier and all we can say is "wow". Hearing the remarkable account of how this Napa Valley Winery was born only added to its appeal.

Darioush Khaledi, who was raised in the Iranian Region of Shiraz, first developed his passion for wine as a 6-year old boy, sneaking sips from the barrel in his father’s wine cellar, by wringing a wine-soaked towel into his mouth.

Today, that childhood memory is enshrined by a waterfall at the centre of Darioush’s lavish 22,000 square foot winery and visitor centre on the Silverado trail of eastern Napa Valley.  Modelled after the Persian city of Persepolis, and built using travertine stones imported from Iran that were cut and polished in Italy, Darioush Khaledi has built the ultimate monument both to his love of wine and to his Persian heritage.

Since immigrating to the United States in 1976, Khaledi developed as successful business opening a chain of supermarkets across California.  During that time his passion for Bordeaux wine was shaped into the dream of opening a winery.

In the early 1990’s he began his search for the quintessential winery property, culminating in the purchase of the vacated Altamura Winery site in 1997.  Since that time, the 39 acres vineyard site has expanded to over 90 acres that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay and Viognier.

With the leadership of Darioush winemaker Steve Devitt, Khaledi has employed an old-world style of wine making, allowing the full expression of the grapes on the vines with minimal intervention.    The result are wines that blend the elegance of Bordeaux with a rich California ripeness.

The first vintage of the Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – their flagship wine, earned Darioush a score of 92 in Wine Spectator, and their Chardonnay has consistently earned Wine Spectator scores over 90.

If you would like to experience the wines, here is summary of current availability:

• 2005 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon (6 bottle case | $99.95 /btl). Score: 93 Points "Once again, Darioush races to the top of the listings with a big, rich, hedonistically overachieving Cabernet, but unlike last year’s 3 star winner, this one is somewhat tighter and age-demanding than its predecessor.  It is in the nature of the 2005 vintage that it seems to produce somewhat less lush, plush wines, and there are those who will applaud and those who will miss the genuine juiciness of Darioush’s 2004.  Because this wine seems to have a foot in two camps, we see more to like in the 2004, but there is no reason not to like this one as well." Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
• 2005 Signature Series Cabernet Franc (6 bottle case | $ 75.00 /btl). As a classic Bordeaux varietal, Cabernet Franc imparts such intensity of fruit and dark earthy components when blended into our Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. On its own, it possesses power with great poise. Introduced by vibrant aromas of blackberry, cherry and bittersweet chocolate, the 2005 vintage is focused and intense. A saturated palate showcases flavours of loganberry and kirsch liqueur, while firm tannins suggest oolong tea, cedar and tobacco.
• 2005 Signature Series Shiraz (6 bottle case | approx $ 90.00 /btl ). Crafted to balance the fruit complexity, structure and age-worthiness of this ancient varietal, the 2005 Signature Shiraz accomplishes this feat. Grown on vines cloned from 50% old-vine Australian Shiraz and 50% Northern Rhone Syrah, the finished wine stays true to its inherently spicy and seductive spirit. Introduced by alluring fragrances of dried orange peel, rose hips and white pepper, the 2005 Signature Shiraz is plush, yet focused. Layered flavours of spicy licorice, ripe blackberry and bittersweet chocolate support a balanced and delineated mouth feel. Subdued oak and well-integrated tannins are revealed on a finish, accented by hints of vanilla bean, cedar and star anise.
• 2005 Estate Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon (12 bottle case | $47.95 /btl). Juicy flavours of ripe berries, cherries and plum mingle with hints of cola, chocolate and coffee. Abundant Petit Verdot lends a violet floral note while Malbec adds a juicy blueberry finish. This Cabernet is youthful but approachable with a soft palate and lingering finish.

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