2019 Darioush Napa Cab
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Tasting notes
Heady, potent nose with alcohol that is noticeable alongside the very ripe black fruit. Cabernet, magnified. Sip rather than gulp. (RH)
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A blend of fruit from Mount Veeder and the broader Napa Valley AVA, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cab, matured 22 months in 85% new French oak. The wood lends plenty of cedary notes, but there's also ample cassis, blackberry and plum. In the mouth, this is full-bodied and velvety, without being overly rich or concentrated, with dark chocolate nuances creeping in on the finish.
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon offers more plum and cassis fruits as well as scorched earth, camphor, and chocolate aromatics. Rich, full-bodied, and mouth-filling, it has ripe, polished tannins, terrific overall balance, and a great finish.
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is compact, intensely oaky and not at all interesting. You had better be in shape to pick up the absurdly heavy bottle.
About the producer
Founded in 1997, Darioush is a top Napa Valley estate – with an unusual backstory. Owner Darioush Khaledi was born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, a literary city with a long history of wine production.