Darioush 2008 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Nowhere is the connection between wine and culture more evident than in the history of Persia. Discoveries dating to 5,000 B.C. in the Zagros Mountains of Northern Iran show that winemaking emerged as permanent communities replaced nomadic life and a new age of wine culture began. Darioush Khaledi was instilled at an early age with the winemaking craft of his father, inspired by wine culture in the literary city of Shiraz – in modern day Iran – and the ancient city of Persepolis. He became a lifelong collector, seeking out old world wines infused with tradition and energized by modern technique. Aspiring to the ideals of the American dream, Darioush immigrated to America to seek out opportunities others overlooked. He was an entrepreneur determined to realize his dream, yet always eager to share his journey through his love of wine borne of rich heritage. In 1997, Darioush and his wife Shahpar founded Darioush and began to realize a lifelong aspiration to share the art, architecture, wine, craftsmanship and culture that inspired their journey. The Darioush estate comprises 120 acres in Southern Napa Valley spanning the Mount Veeder and Oak Knoll AVA’s.
I had this bottle tucked away and thought it was time to try it. I let the wine breathe for about an hour before drinking and it made a big different from the first sip after pulling the cork. Pouring a glass the wine was clean with a deep dark ruby red color, comprised of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec, aged for 22 months in French oak (85% new). Aromas of ripe fruit and sweet spices were wafting up teasing me to take a sip. The palate showed juicy blackberries, blueberries, sweet black cherries and currants. This wine was big, full tannins, complex and well balanced. Notes of leather, cacao, coffee beans and earthy spices carried this wine to a long silky finish. I just picked up a 2011 and tempted to try it, but time may be rewarding. A bucket list wine! Tremendous!
Cheers!