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Do you love Bordeaux style wines? How about an experience where you feel more than at home? With brilliant beauty and a style that focuses on comfort and elegance? Then you’ve come to the right place. This is what Napa Valley’s Darioush does best.
Entering the property is transformative when you consider other wineries. The architectural inspiration for Darioush is from ancient Persepolis. A city founded in the 6th century BC and the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Based on one of its most breathtaking palaces in Persia known as Apadana. Today Apadana is a ruin, but its memory lives on at Darioush.
Darioush who is respected and revered by those who work with him began his venture in wine. But long before the winemaking began, the research began. There were droves intent on planting up north in Napa Valley in the late 1990s. Right around then Darioush Khaled and winemaker Steve McDivvet had begun scouting locations.
They saw what they wanted for their Bordeaux style wines in the southern part of the valley. San Pablo Bay would drive its fog up valley. The valley floor would soak it up keeping the vines cooler longer. Another site high on Mount Veeder would add to their diversity. It’s rocky terrain, elevation and cooler temperatures would complement those of Oak Knoll. Today their vineyards consist of 120 acres from Mount Veeder to Oak Knoll.
Success in the wine industry is not always easy to come by. It doesn’t matter how you enter the space. Combine that with a dream. Important lessons of integrity and character instilled at a young age. Darioush was the beneficiary of this and what his father instilled in him. He watched as a child, his father making his own wine. It was then, his love for wine would begin.
I’ve been to Darioush several times now. And each time I walk away with a new and memorable experience. This time was new for me. It was a dinner celebrating the release of Darius II. On this glorious summer evening. the perfect blue skies of the valley contrasting with the green of the vineyards. A table, set ever so was being attended to with micro-adjustments to each detail.
We were first entertained by a wine historian Nina Wemyss. Her way of sharing 8,000 years of history made for a fascinating start. Executive Chef, Travis Hunter prepared an outstanding multi-course gourmet dinner. Underneath the heavens and the stars to reveal their 2016 Napa Valley Vintage Darius II. The wine was incredible as was the artwork.
About the Artwork: To celebrate this vintage we must first go back in history to the very first cities. The cities flourished along an area known as the Silk Roads. The empires came together here to celebrate and trade language, concepts, and goods. Thousands of miles of territories linked Persia to the Pacific, Meditteranean, and Asia. The art that graces the label of DariusII is a 14th-century textile. Made using a 2 person loom with silk and gold thread it exemplifies the influences of cultures. This construct created in Persia is a blend of Italian and Asian influences.
About Darius II. This full bodied beauty of exotic spice, subtle florals, anise and truffle is a big part of its complexity. Complimented by rich earthy notes, blackberries fruit and vibrancy. It is a concert of flavor orchestrated by Darioush’s World class Mountain Appellations. 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. $275
To learn more about Darioush events and get your reservations contact Wine Paths Travel. Pure luxury awaits you.
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