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    05:49 AM
  • Wine average?

    95 Tb
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    46
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History

Proprietor Darioush Khaledi and winemaker Steve Devitt made an unorthodox choice, to commit to Southern Napa Valley – choosing its cooler microclimates to develop their unique style.  While the focus was in northern Napa Valley in the late 1990's, Darioush was headed south. Seeking opportunities others overlooked, Darioush and Steve focused intently on site selection and cooler microclimates in Southern Napa Valley; high atop Mount Veeder and the maritime-influenced Valley floor.  Replanting where necessary to unlock the full potential of both the vineyard and wine grape cultivated from it. They committed to a Bordeaux-style of winemaking –a blended style they long admired for the potential to truly express a wine’s character.

Now these years later, the Darioush estate comprises 120 acres in Southern Napa Valley spanning the Mount Veeder and Oak Knoll AVA’s. We believe truly unique wines reflect great vineyards, but also the character of the people behind them. Individualism and the role of the craftsman are heralded qualities that honor our ancient and modern influences.

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Vineyards

The Darioush estate is comprised of three vineyard sites spanning three American Viticultural Areas in the Southern Napa Valley:

 

Mount Veeder AVA

Our 22-acre Sage vineyard atop Mt. Veeder is rugged and pure. Perched between 1,800’ and 2,200’ elevation, plantings on this steep hillside benefit from mineral-rich, volcanic soils as well as the cooling, maritime-influence of the proximate San Pablo Bay. Wines from this site show complexity and structure with a fair measure of tannin to support long-term aging. Varieties planted: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

 

Oak Knoll AVA

Nestled in a small pocket of Oak Knoll, our Ashley vineyard is situated in well-drained alluvial soils that were deposited over time from the Napa River bank. This site exhibits one of the more consistently unique terroirs of all three estates; from the settling of dense, early morning fog that burns off by noon to cooling evening breezes that make their way northbound to Yountville before returning southward again across the vineyard. Varieties planted: Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc.

 

Napa Valley AVA

Our Napa Valley estate is home to the winery, situated on 33 acres on the southern tip of Silverado Trail. This locale features the oldest vines of all Darioush vineyards, and almost exclusively cultivates red Bordeaux varieties. The celebrated Apadana block sits on the southeast corner of the property behind the winery and features vines of 18+ year maturity. Wines resulting from this site are reflective of the vineyard age— expressing a plush, round and seamless profile. Varieties planted: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.

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Winemaking

As a lifetime student of his craft, Winemaker Steve Devitt is intently focused on the mastery of creating wines that are approachable in their youth, yet graceful, poised and age-worthy. His touch is felt across the portfolio that he and his team have worked tirelessly to create - Bordeaux blends and singular bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and small lots of Shiraz, Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. Employing minimal intervention in the cellar and meticulous attention in the vineyard is central to his philosophy.

 

At Darioush, we are committed to hand-harvesting and hand sorting-each grape cluster prior to crushing. This is a meticulous and labor-intensive method, but it ensures that only the finest, fully matured grapes are used in our wines. This approach includes small lot whole cluster pressing, destemming, cold soaking, extended maceration, barrel-to-barrel racking and bottling without filtration to preserve and express the true varietal character of the Darioush Estate’s unique soils and microclimate.

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Inside information

DECANTER Magazine

February 2016

Highly Recommended

2011 Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon

A rich, powerful wine.  Complex fruit, spice, floral aromas and the palate has a good concentration of chocolate, cooked dark plums, cassis and blackberry.  A black pepper note gives balance and freshness.  Long with firm tannins. Rated 93, Drink 2015-2035 (Romain Bouger)

http://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/california-cabernet-2011-panel-tasting-results-53123/

 

 

 

 

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12 different wines with 76 vintages

Winemaking since 1997 Show all

  • Steve Devitt

    Winemaker
    As a winegrower, I believe the best winemaking begins in the vineyards. By employing minimal intervention, we're preserving and expressing the true varietal character and the finest qualities of our unique soils and microclimate.
  • Darioush Khaledi

    Proprietor
    In 1997, my wife Shahpar and I founded Darioush to realize a lifelong aspiration to share the art, architecture, wine, craftsmanship and culture that inspired our journey.

11 official sellers in 11 countries

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