Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Impressive for the plush texture and complex, well-focused structure. Aromas of red currant, mocha and spice combine with rich flavors of black cherry, orange zest and bay leaf. Ripe tannins firm up the finish. Drink now through 2022.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2012 Darioush Signature Merlot is soft, delicate, and pleasingly persistent. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows bright, black fruit aromas and flavors. Enjoy it with grilled chicken thighs. (Tasted: February 20, 2020, Yountville, CA)
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Differing little from its equally extravagant, year-younger version, Darioush’s 2012 Merlot is again a big, mouthfilling, downright opulent take on the grape that is little concerned with restraint be it in terms of its fruity richness, ripeness or lavish oak. It is not quite as adept at fully hiding its back-end heat, and those seeking wines of delicacy and subtle nuance are bound to find it to be a little too much of a good thing, especially if it is drunk down in its youth, but, when accorded four or five years of deserved time in the cellar and sensible pairing with appropriately full-flavored foods, it is sure to win appreciative fans among wine lovers of almost every stripe.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.