Darioush Signature Shiraz is crafted to coax the inherent complexity, structure, and age-worthiness from this versatile variety. Southern Napa Valleys cooler microclimates, along with meticulous vineyard management naturally restrain vigor while intensifying its rich, spicy, and soulful character. Producer Information Darioush Winery is a California wine producer located off the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. It is known as a "destination winery" in Napa for its dramatic Persian architecture. The flagship Cabernet Sauvignon label, Darius II, is the best known wine in a critically acclaimed range. Darioush owns vineyards across the Oak Knoll and Mount Veeder AVAs in the southern Napa Valley. This section of the valley was focused upon because of its cooler macroclimates, a rather unorthodox choice in the 1990s. The estate now comprises 120 acres (48.5 hectares) of vineyards. These are planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. These varieties make up Darioush's Signature Series, as well as a range of blended wines. The flagship Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon currently has a waiting list for an allocation. It typically sees around 22 months in French oak with 80 percent new wood. Wildfires meant that there was no 2017 produced. Owner Darioush Khaledi established the estate in 1997. He was born and raised in Iran, where his father made wine as a hobby. He immigrated to the United States in the 1970s, and founded a successful grocery store chain called KV Mart. On his 20th wedding anniversary, he visited Napa Valley with his wife, where they tried California wines for the first time, and decided to buy land and start a winery.
