Darioush

Designed and built by Ardeshir and Roshan Nozari, the architecture for Darioush was inspired by a 16th century Persian palace called “Apadana Palace” (and it’s named for Darius the Great of Ancient Persia). Proprietor Darioush Khaledi moved from Shiraz, a prominent wine-growing region in Iran, to Southern California with his family in the 1970s. And while his background was originally in civil engineering, he ended up purchasing a grocery store in Los Angeles with his brother-in-law—which eventually grew to more than 30 stores and remains successful to this day. An avid collector of Bordeaux, he always wanted to become involved in the wine industry. In the mid-1990s, his dream of transitioning from collector to producer was fulfilled when he purchased his property along Silverado Trail in Napa.

The winery focuses on Bordeaux-style, estate wines and has vineyards in the Napa Valley, Oak Knoll and Mt. Veeder appellations, with approximately 100 acres total. And while its first vintage was 1997, the winery you’ll find today opened in 2004 after taking three years to design and five years to build. The result is a sort of Persian wonderland, unlike any other winery in the area, and is a visual and culture-rich delight. All the travertine used to create the winery was quarried in Iran.

When you arrive, the first things you’ll notice are the 16 freestanding, 18-foot columns that lead up to the building’s entrance as well as its expansive lawns, beautiful fountains and gardens. Once inside, you’ll find a central tasting bar area surrounded with plush seating at tables (by reservation), a huge fireplace and all sorts of treasures for purchase. Many of them are unique to Darioush (housewares, books, briefcases, candles, jewelry) and some visitors even come just for them—though my guess is, they stay for a little wine as well. You can also see into the tank room from the main tasting area. The atmosphere is relaxed and well appointed, and visitors are given plenty of time to taste through their selected flight. Roasted pistachios with citrus salt accompany the wines for the basic tastings.

In addition to the signature tasting flight, there are several private tasting experiences you can choose from if you’re looking to explore the property and wines even further. Each of these includes a property tour, which I’d highly recommend. The “Fine Wines, Artisan Cheeses” experience takes 90 minutes and includes a private tasting of artisan cheese (including Cowgirl Creamery) paired with limited release, special release and library wines, all served in the winery’s barrel room (take a peek up when you’re in there—the glass ceiling “lights” are coming from the top of the tasting room tables, like solar tubes).

The “By Invitation Only” experience takes you into Khaledi’s private cellar, where you can view his incredible collection of wines as you enjoy library vintages of the winery’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon as well as its “crown jewel,” Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with small bites crafted by Khaledi’s personal chef.

If you’re looking for the ultimate wine tasting experience, “The Quintessential Wine Experience” is what you want to book. This two-hour tasting also takes place in Khaledi’s private cellar (beginning with a taste of Krug champagne paired with imported caviar before you descend the stairs to the cellar), then a perusal of Khaledi’s wine collection, where a bottle of Bordeaux will be selected and opened to taste alongside the Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. Each taste is paired with bites created by renowned Chef Ken Frank of Napa’s La Toque restaurant.

Winemaker Steve Devitt, also the winery’s vineyard manager, has a long history working in Napa Valley. All grapes are hand harvested and sorted prior to crushing, with small lot whole cluster pressing, destemming, cold soaking, extended maceration, barrel-to-barrel racking (he uses up to 12 different coopers for experimentation) and bottling without filtration.

When we visited, our tasting began with the 2012 Viognier, which spent six months in neutral oak and has a jasmine/citrus blossom nose and a bright, lively flavor with citrus and floral notes. Next up was 2005 “Duel,” a 70 percent Syrah, 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon blend (black currant, red fruit, pomegranate) followed by 2009 Malbec (made in Argentina) called Capataz (which means vineyard captain). It had strong tannins, red fruit, minerals, great acidity and a hint of anise. The 2009 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon rounded things out (anise on the nose, velvety, black and ref fruits, tobacco—very elegant) perfectly.

The winery offers a “First Offering Reservation,” which lets each client choose a specific varietal and quantity to be shipped prior to its official release each year. It also includes full-service itinerary planning with the winery’s concierge, with options at local hotels, spas, golf courses and restaurants. Members and their guests receive complimentary tastings, including access to a private lounge (to the side of the main tasting area) with options to taste wines not available on the regular flight. Club members also have exclusive access to Darius II Cabernet Sauvignon.

In short, Darioush is an excellent place to dazzle your senses while experiencing top-notch hospitality (special thanks to Danielle Botros, trade curator, who hosted us and has wonderful knowledge about the winery and surrounding area) and elegant, well-crafted wines.