Darioush
Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley
Each year, after fermentation of the signature vineyards, winemaker Hope Goldie selects the best barrels of the vintage to be blended into the Crown Jewel of the Darioush estate. Bottling after bottling, the wine captures its vintage’s complexity, composure and refinement in an irresistible manner that is both expressive in its youth, yet undoubtedly reveals further detail and elegance for the patient over the following decade or two. Paying homage to the exceptional quality that distinguished each vintage from the last, each vintage label bears a unique and rich example of historical Persian art.
Vineyard
With dozens of beautiful vineyard and barrel lots to choose from, the challenge was deciding which to exclude from the final blend. Ultimately, a small contribution of Sage Vineyard Cabernet Franc was selected to complement the gorgeous expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from our winery estate’s Apadana Block.
Winemaking
After hand harvest and sorting, fermentation begins with a 4 day cold soak with gentle pump-overs for optimal color and tannin extraction. Fermentation is followed by 22 months of aging in 80% new French oak barrels, racked twice per day for clarity.
Vintage
Fortitude and resilience best describe the 2018 vintage of Darius II. Following the devastating 2017 wildfires, Darioush decided to forgo bottling our estate’s crown jewel for the first time ever. Perhaps it is Mother Nature’s need for redemption that the 2018 growing season was idyllic, a textbook season, for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Abundant winter rains naturally invigorated the vines, and budbreak occurred during pristine spring weather, resulting in a generous and beautifully even crop from the start. Mild temperatures and a lack of climactic drama well into autumn enabled the slow, complete, and even maturities necessary to cultivate wines with great composure, grace, and complexity.
Tasting Note
Demonstrating extraordinary composure, energy, and depth, 2018 Darius II is teeming with dense, vibrant flavors of cassis, black fruits, minerals, and a savory sage and wild thyme component. The captivating aromatics consist of crushed blueberries, bay leaf, medium-roast coffee, and candied violets. Expressive in its youth, with refined, succulent tannins, 2018 Darius II will undoubtedly reveal further detail and elegance for the patient collector over a decade or two.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa Valley
Trade Materials
Darioush Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Tech Sheet
Added October 29, 2021 -
Other Wines by this Producer
Signature Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley
Sourced exclusively from Darioush’s estate vineyards perched atop Mount Veeder and Atlas Peak, the unique rocky soils and cool, marine-influenced climate provide the perfect climate for the development of Cabernet Franc’s inherently earthbound, spice and black fruit flavors. Benefiting from exceptional sun exposure, the reustling wine is distinctly of Mount Veeder origins: a pure, singular expression of a classic Bordeaux variety.
Signature Viognier
Oak Knoll
A rarity in the Napa Valley, the Darioush Signature Viognier is fragrant, alluring an exotic. Sourced from the cooler vineyards of Oak Knoll where early morning fog and late afternoon breezes allow for slow, complete ripening of the signature bright and vibrant character full of effusive floral aromatics and a core of juicy stone fruit.
Signature Merlot
Napa Valley
Sourced from estate vineyards with unique microclimates and soils throughout Napa Valley, including Oak Knoll and Mount Veeder, the Signature Merlot displays the naturally plush characteristics of the grape, yet retains the focus and aromatic complexity that is the hallmark of Darioush style.
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
Seamless, with an ideal balance of fruit, structure and composure, the Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of decades of meticulous vineyard sourcing and management in the cooler sites of Southern Napa Valley. Sourced primarily from the estate vineyards atop Mount Veeder and Coombsville, these vineyards have reached maturity and produce wines of distinct concentration, complexity and signature freshness to be expected from Darioush.
Signature Chardonnay
Napa Valley
Sourced from the Darioush Estate valleys throughout the Napa Valley, all with unique, cooler Southern Napa Valley Climates, the Signature Chardonnay is progrssive in its integration of precision, richness and complexity. The wine displays signature varietal characteristics that are matched with the inherent freshness and vibrancy.
