Sponsored by WinePathsTravel
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.
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Somm Foundation Receives $25,000 in Support Pouring of Chateau Montelena’s stunning 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Over 200 people descended on Napa Valley’s Meritage Resort & Spa
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
Fantastic organic alert! Nothing like sunsets and delicious French Rosé from Bandol shared with ones favorite furry friend. Loved this epic bottle!
The 2020 Bandol Rosé is by Domaine Ray-Jane . Bandol is one of Provence’s most famous wine regions. It is located west of Toulon and covers eight communes. Coastal influences this region and its proximity to Marseille & Cassis.
The Bandol AOC requires at least 50% of Mourvèdre grape, with the late harvest grape being perfectly suited to this warm seaside climate.
The Constant Family has been working this property for 30 generations, since 1288.
One third of 100 year old vines thrive on 30 hectares of both limestone & clay soil with terraces built on stone. Primarily Mourvèdre the communes of the domaine include Castellet, Bandol, Sanary sur mer, La Cadière and Le Beausset.
I highly recommend grabbing a bottle if you can find it!
Ray-Jane.fr
Remember, #organic is not enough to save our planet. Ask your favorite producers to : To reduce energy & water usage as well as implementing the reduction of GHG emissions & a winery’s carbon footprint. These are two of the important hallmarks of saving our planet. See @napagreen for more information!
#TheWineSiren
#KellyMitchell
Listen. To the sound. Of the planet.
🌚While we all know what’s happening the demise that we are facing head-on is completely avoidable. It all starts with you & me.
🤩In the wine arena those who imbibe have great power. Take your purchasing power to those who are doing the most to move our planet forward & away from the demise of climate change.
It begins with a clear understanding of the meanings behind some viticulture (wine growing practices).
🌝Biodynamic - it is an “ethical” holistic & ecological approach to growing. A solid approach, but not a comprehensive approach to what needs to be done, to grow in a way that will stop our sharp decline.
🌝Biodynamic certification is viable, but is only part of the approach needed to address the urgent concerns of our global community.
🌝Organic, soil has to be free of pesticides at least three years before becoming certified. Again it is a partial play in the grand scheme of things.
🌝🤩🌝This is where Napa’s Superstars in climate change thrive and drive the efforts of planetary good. @NapaGreen is the most comprehensive approach to the well being of our planet.
🌝Comprehensive, astute, well directed & monitored action…. See slide 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌝The opportunity: Napa Green is a certification is just one of 4 nationwide sustainable programs that offer a comprehensive approach from dirt to bottle certification guiding both the vineyard and hospitality practices of a winery. Reducing energy & water usage as well as the reduction of GHG emissions & a winery’s carbon footprint are two of the important hallmarks of this certification
For more: NapaGreen.com See a full list of participating wineries n learn more about the program.
🌝Remember who you support & what they’re doing about climate change is the most important decision!
🌝Featured 4 of the Herbicide n Neoniconitoid Free: @SpottswoodeEstate @OpusOne @RaymondVineyards @DominusEstate @ClifFamily @TresSabores
Comment below to support efforts to CURB CLIMATE CHANGE & FOLLOW @NapaGreen. Tell producers they need to get certified, support those making a difference in#ClimateCHANGE
The best is yet to come! But such a stellar opening party for @liveinthevineyard at @nickelandnickelwinery . Great music by @tenilletownes opening act, @mattstell and the crowd really went wild when @olddominionmusic took the stage (see slide 10).
So fantastic to be back in the swing of things!
Looking forward to @dariusrucker ‘s performance @roundpondestate today. Stay tuned!
#LiveInTheVineyard #TheWineSiren #NapaValley #WineCountry #CountryMusic #NapaCru
Exceptional Pinot Noir
As we prepare to breeze back into the holiday season, I’ve started culling the wine that has truly exceptional impact on meals. After all wine is not just for drinking. It’s for creating beautiful experiences, meals and memories. To achieve this I choose the 2019 Bucher Vineyards Merry Edwards Pinot Noir.
Not only is this beauty highly rated it holds everything you want in a holiday season wine. Versatility, appeal, bright rich flavors known to the Sonoma Coast.
What is the difference between a good Pinot Noir and a great Pinot Noir? The latter leaves an indelible imprint on the experience. The Bucher Vineyards Merry Edwards Pinot Noir exceeds expectation.
On the nose, The classic notes of the forest, mushrooms, forest floor and an earthiness and minerality that speaks to the voluminous tannins. Lush, pronounced and barely tamed by the generous black fruit that stands as the signature of this unique wine.
Paired with roasted free range chicken and a hearty bowl of red curried lentils this wine is perfect for your holiday table.
The tannins make this a great one for cellaring as well. You’ll enjoy tasting this beauty for years to come as it evolves.
$63 and worth every cent. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden.
MerryEdwards.com
#wine
Simplicity.
Withering grapes lead to a high concentration of sugars. In Italy it is known as apassimento. While drying, concentration of several aspects of the wine evolves. From increasing the sugar to the alcohol, this process also develops more intense flavors.
The objective is to reduce the chances of botrytis cinerea aka noble rot.
Grapes undergo a drying process of several weeks to as much as half a year. Only after this process are they fermented. The fermentation process can be weeks or years.
Finally, sediment is removed and then ages for several years in barrel or tank before it is bottled.
Here one of my favorite producers of Passito, @donnafugatawine and their loveky Ben Rye. Rich in color, well balanced in taste. Perfect for sipping before a fire...
#TheWineSiren
#WineEducation
#passito
#wine
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