Darioush

Signature Merlot 2018

Napa Valley

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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.

Winemaking

Following hand-harvest and hand sorting, fermentation begins with a 4 day cold soak in traditional fermenters with gentle pump-overs for controlled color extraction and tannin management. After fermentation is complete, the wine is aged 20 months in 70% new French oak barrels.

Vintage

The Signature Merlot is sourced from two of Darioush’s prime estate vineyards: Oak Knoll and Mount Veeder. The Oak Knoll vineyard, located on the valley floor, allows the fruit to reach prime concentration and carefully ripen to develop the plush nature while the Mount Veeder vineyard benefits from cool microclimates and soils that provide acidity and focus to the final wine.

Tasting Note

A nod to the long, even-keeled growing season on our high-elevation Sage Vineyard atop Mount Veeder, 2018 Signature Merlot displays the concentration and finesse of a classic mountain-grown Merlot. Aromatically complex with licorice, violets, dusty cocoa, and fine leather, the flavors move from dense black cherry and currant fruits, refreshed with a blood orange-like acidity to savory herb, forest, and bergamot notes. The wine finishes powerful and polished, with rich plummy fruit and freshly baked pie crust, and will develop further complexity with aging.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Merlot

Appellation

Napa Valley

Suggested Retail Price

$68

Trade Materials

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