Winemaker Notes
A singular expression of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Darius II was sourced predominantly from Darioush estate vineyards which contribute structure and aromatic nuance, with layered texture and complexity. The wine opens with its hallmark dark, focused fruit, complemented by graphite, cedar, and lifted herbal notes. The palate is firm yet refined, with polished tannins and a long, satisfying finish. Poised and age-worthy, the 2022 captures the depth and character of the vintage.
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship here, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Darius II sports a deep purple/plum hue and offers darker currants, subtle blue fruits, sage, sappy flowers, and some cedary, tobacco, and chocolate notes. It's a rich, more black-fruited, concentrated 2022 that has remarkable purity, ripe, polished tannins, integrated acidity, and a great finish.
-
James Suckling
A big, tannic but well-polished wine that wraps a dense texture around super dark, concentrated fruit and oak flavors. Full-bodied and quite ripe, offering intense blackberry, dried blueberry, coffee bean and graphite flavors. Almost drinkable now, but best from 2030.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.