Winemaker Notes
A regal expression of the vintage, the 2023 Darioush Signature Shiraz opens with a floral bouquet of violets, potpourri, and rose petal, lifted by accents of pine and herbal spice. The cooler season encouraged gradual ripening, preserving freshness while building remarkable depth. On the palate, the wine is dense and concentrated, framed by dark berry tones and savory undertones. Violet hues and fine, persistent tannins lend grandeur to the long, resonant finish, a testament to Shiraz's varietal purity and noble character.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 100% Shiraz, the 2023 Shiraz shows blackberries, bay leaf, pepper, and some classic Syrah gaminess and bouquet garni. It's full-bodied, has a ripe, textured mouthfeel, beautiful purity, and polished tannins. It's a brilliant, ripe, opulent Napa Valley Syrah to drink over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.
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James Suckling
A perplexing wine for an Australian, a Napa Valley shiraz in a heavy Bordeaux bottle, showing aromas of blackberries, plums, dark cherries and spices. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins and a rich, dense finish. Just because it’s labeled shiraz, at 16% alcohol, does not make it shiraz.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.