Darioush

Darioush Khaledi is an Iranian that made his money in the grocery business in Southern California. The very impressive year old Darioush winery has Persian architecture. The tasting fee was $15.

2003 Viogrie – Very fruity and floral, perhaps a little sweet, low acid, 14.9% alcohol, list price $34. Too sweet for my taste.

2001 Red Table Wine – Niece nose of red cherry, and cedar. Rich forward black cherry fruit, good acid, soft tannins, and long fruity finish. 64% cab, 32% Merlot, 4% Franc. 14.5% alcohol List price $38. Nice wine for near term drinking.

2002 Merlot – Lots of black cherry fruit on the nose and palette, moderate acid and tannins with fruit on the finish. Nice merlot. 14.0% alcohol. List price $44.

2002 Shiraz – Big black cherry, black berry fruit, good structure with moderate tannins, long fruity finish. 14.5% alcohol. List price $64.

2002 Cabernet – Big cherry and chassis aromas on the nose. Big black cherry and cedar flavors, good structure, moderate tannins, long fruity finish. 85% cab, 10% Merlot, 2% franc, 1.5% Petit Verdoit, 1.5% Malbac. 14.8% alcohol. List price $68

Darioush appears to be making wines in the highly extracted, softer tannin style that is popular now days. I did not like the Viogie, but the other wines were good, though pricey.