Darioush 2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay
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 recently reviewed the 2008 & 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and in a word, Tremendous! Being impressed, I reached for a Chardonnay to see how well that varietal was made. Pouring a glass, the color is a pale golden yellow with aromas of ripe stone fruits and a touch of citrus. Tastes of peaches, apple, dried fruit builds to a rich and creamy wine with perfumed oak flavors coming forth on the palate. Aged for 11 months in 70% new French oak, the finish shows structured acidity with a slight spicy mineral rustic finish, showing great depth. This Chardonnay stands out from the rest and should be on your “must have” list for the summer, however hurry only 2,705 cases were made.
Cheers!