Darioush
Napa Valley Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley, California, USA
I’d been warned this was going to be an oak bomb and...nope. There’s oak but it isn’t, say, Guigal levels. And if there were a human oak detector equivalent of, well, bomb-sniffing dogs, that’s me. There are pleasant vanilla things going on with this. It tastes like expensive winemaking—focused voluptuous tannins, ripe fruit in a myriad of colors, earth that certain was trod by royalty and CEOs and...this is luxurious cab franc I would not know was in fact cab f but...do I care? Not right now, no. I’m enjoying my wine that is not an oak bomb. It simply is bomb.
I’d been warned this was going to be an oak bomb and...nope. There’s oak but it isn’t, say, Guigal levels. And if there were a human oak detector equivalent of, well, bomb-sniffing dogs, that’s me. There are pleasant vanilla things going on with this. It tastes like expensive winemaking—focused voluptuous tannins, ripe fruit in a myriad of colors, earth that certain was trod by royalty and CEOs and...this is luxurious cab franc I would not know was in fact cab f but...do I care? Not right now, no. I’m enjoying my wine that is not an oak bomb. It simply is bomb.
Aug 19th, 2019
The 2015 Darioush Cabernet Franc includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Merlot, and 2% Malbec which was aged in nearly all new French oak prior to bottling. The herbal edge on the nose is tremendous with red and dark fruits and dusty earth mingling with cocoa powder. The palate shows serious viscosity and richness, with red bell pepper, red currant jelly and milk chocolate flavors layering the palate and persisting through to the long finish. This is a mere infant at this stage so try to resist this gorgeous bottling for at least another year. Drink 2020-2035- 95
The 2015 Darioush Cabernet Franc includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Merlot, and 2% Malbec which was aged in nearly all new French oak prior to bottling. The herbal edge on the nose is tremendous with red and dark fruits and dusty earth mingling with cocoa powder. The palate shows serious viscosity and richness, with red bell pepper, red currant jelly and milk chocolate flavors layering the palate and persisting through to the long finish. This is a mere infant at this stage so try to resist this gorgeous bottling for at least another year. Drink 2020-2035- 95
Mar 27th, 2019
Simply fantastic! Spicy, dark fruit and baking spices give an incredible drinking experience. Despite being a ‘13, the wine is not over the top but instantly pleasing. Drink ‘em if you got ‘em!
Simply fantastic! Spicy, dark fruit and baking spices give an incredible drinking experience. Despite being a ‘13, the wine is not over the top but instantly pleasing. Drink ‘em if you got ‘em!
Jul 23rd, 2018
Wow! Lush blueberries, black cherries and a pop of raspberry. Dark chocolate, and a hint of freshly potted garden mint. Tannins are velvet and the acidity pops nicely. It has a slightly austere finish which begs you for another sip. Well don't mind if I do!
Wow! Lush blueberries, black cherries and a pop of raspberry. Dark chocolate, and a hint of freshly potted garden mint. Tannins are velvet and the acidity pops nicely. It has a slightly austere finish which begs you for another sip. Well don't mind if I do!
Sep 29th, 2016
Deep ruby. Black fruit. Jammy. M acid. M body and M front tannin. Good structure. Balanced.
Deep ruby. Black fruit. Jammy. M acid. M body and M front tannin. Good structure. Balanced.
Aug 13th, 20162011 cab franc. Dark cherry truffle chocolate and cedar w a bit of mint or eucalyptus. Beautiful ruby red color. Could be aged for many more years but tasting delish already!
2011 cab franc. Dark cherry truffle chocolate and cedar w a bit of mint or eucalyptus. Beautiful ruby red color. Could be aged for many more years but tasting delish already!
Jan 15th, 2016
Big wine. Huge flavors. Needed more of a decant but drank it too quickly :-)
Big wine. Huge flavors. Needed more of a decant but drank it too quickly :-)
Oct 24th, 2015
Decanted overnight . Signature napa French oak dressing, couldn't peg it as a single varietal cab franc on day one. Needs ten years.
Decanted overnight . Signature napa French oak dressing, couldn't peg it as a single varietal cab franc on day one. Needs ten years.
Oct 17th, 2015