# Darioush Darius II (2019)

- **Producer:** Darioush
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.6%
- **Average price:** €415
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, plum, violet, black pepper, herbaceous, vanilla, cloves, cedar, chocolate, coffee, smoke, toast, leather, tobacco, forest floor, mushroom

## About this wine

Darioush Winery represents a unique bridge between ancient Persian hospitality and modern Napa Valley winemaking. Founded in 1997 by Darioush Khaledi, who immigrated to the United States from Iran following the Islamic Revolution, the estate celebrates a rich cultural heritage. The spectacular winery in Napa Valley is modeled after the imperial columns of Persepolis. 'Darius II' is the estate's crown jewel, named after the legendary Persian King Darius II. In partnership with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, each vintage features a unique, historical Middle Eastern artwork on the label. The 2019 vintage showcases a luxury 16th-century textile design from Bursa, historically gifted as a diplomatic offering, depicting a prominent pomegranate motif that symbolizes unity, fertility, and the perfection of nature.

## Interesting facts

- The winery's architecture is modeled after the grand columns of Persepolis, celebrating the founder's Persian heritage.
- Each vintage features a unique label design in partnership with London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
- The 2019 label showcases a 16th-century Turkish textile design featuring a symbolic pomegranate motif.

## Food pairing

This exceptionally bold, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon requires rich, robust dishes with high protein and fat content to soften its powerful mountain tannins. The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through rich sauces, while its intense dark fruit and savory undertones harmonize beautifully with roasted meats, game, and earthy elements like truffles and wild mushrooms.

## Wine making process

The 2019 Darius II is crafted from a meticulous selection of the top one percent of the estate's most expressive barrels. The fruit is sourced from the high-elevation Sage Vineyard on the rugged slopes of Mount Veeder, characterized by thin, volcanic soils, as well as the cooler Darioush Estate on the Napa Valley floor. The grapes are hand-harvested and strictly hand-sorted cluster-by-cluster. Winemaker Hope Goldie, in collaboration with legendary consulting winemaker Michel Rolland, employs small-lot fermentations with a portion of whole berries, followed by cold-soaking and extended maceration. The winemaking process utilizes gravity-flow and minimal intervention, including barrel-to-barrel racking and no filtration. The wine is aged for 20 to 22 months in French oak barrels, relying heavily on new, highly toasted barrels sourced from the prestigious Taransaud cooperage.