At a glance

Producer

Darioush

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$325-$375 (USD) per bottle (ex-cellar and retail releases, 2024)

Tasting profile

Intense cassis, blackberry, dark cherry, graphite, mocha, cedar; pronounced new oak influence with cocoa and vanilla notes; structured and dense, with lingering finish.

Evolution: Will gain nuance: earth, forest floor, cigar box, savory herbs, and tertiary bouquet after 8-12 years.

At peak: Fully integrated, harmonious, with softened tannins and layered complexity; fruit, earth, and spice in balance.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to fresh acidity, well-balanced and supportive of aging

Tannins

Firm, ripe, high-quality tannins providing longevity and backbone

Alcohol

Typically 14.5-15.5% ABV, reflecting the ripe Napa Valley style

Aging potential

Excellent; built for extended cellaring of 20+ years in ideal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2040

Optimal window

2026 to 2045

Current status

Very young, primary fruit-driven, but still approachable with decanting

Current condition

Excellent condition if properly stored; tannic and structured but with emerging aromatic complexity

The wine’s extraction, quality of tannins, and high freshness ensure a long maturation arc. Darius II sees extended new French oak aging and comes from Darioush’s best estate plots, typically from cooler benchlands, which heightens its age-worthiness.

Food pairing

Best with prime cuts of beef (ribeye, filet), rack of lamb, game meats, or aged hard cheeses. Avoid delicately flavored dishes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm, ripe tannins and is medium-bodied, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Integrated pest management, drip irrigation for water conservation, solar power on estate buildings, cover cropping, minimal herbicide use. High-quality, heavy-glass bottles with standard cork.

Darioush employs some proven sustainability measures (solar, water conservation, CCSW), but does not pursue stricter organic or biodynamic certifications. Packaging has a higher carbon impact due to heavy bottles and extensive shipping (especially to international markets). The winery is proactive but falls short of industry leaders on sustainability innovation and ambitious goal-setting.