Darioush Darius II 2014 is a Bordeaux-style red blend from Napa Valley, California, bottled at 14.8% ABV in a 750ml format. Earning 96 points from critic Owen Bargreen, this flagship cuvée represents the pinnacle of the Darioush portfolio, built from Mount Veeder fruit that delivers uncommon depth and structure.Quick Facts: ABV: 14.8% | Origin: Napa Valley, California (Mount Veeder AVA) | Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec | Winery: DarioushProduction & HeritageDarioush Winery was founded by Darioush Khaledi in Napa Valley, drawing inspiration from his Persian heritage and passion for Bordeaux-style winemaking. The Darius II is the estate's signature wine, predominantly sourced from the Darioush Estate Vineyard and the Sage Vineyard on Mount Veeder, where steep hillside terrain provides increased direct sunlight and improved drainage. The volcanic soil on Mount Veeder is naturally low in organic matter, stressing the vines to produce small berries with concentrated fruit tone and bright acidity — qualities that define this 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 4% Malbec blend.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with sensational layers of blueberry and blackcurrant, building toward crème de cassis and spring blooms. Deeper behind those primary fruits sit darker tones of crème de violette, tar, and tobacco leaf.Taste: Full-bodied and decadent on entry, the palate delivers intensely voluptuous black and blue fruits — black cherry, plum, and licorice — before shifting to a mid-palate rich with chocolate, sweet pipe tobacco, and cedar. Robust oak and firm tannins provide structural backbone, while savory accents of leather and toast emerge through the middle.Finish: Long and layered, with dried plum, leather, and lingering tobacco carrying the wine to a sophisticated close. The tannins remain polished yet present, lending a finish that is both broad and refined.How to Drink Darius IIThis wine is best served at 60–65°F in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass; decanting for at least an hour opens up the secondary aromatics considerably. Given its weight and tannic grip, Darius II 2014 is a food wine at heart — pair it with grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary, slow-braised short ribs in a red wine reduction, or aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano where the wine's structure can stand up to the richness of the dish.Best For Gifting a serious Napa Valley wine collector Anchoring a special-occasion dinner with red meat courses Adding a cellar-worthy 2014 vintage to a long-term collection Marking a milestone anniversary or celebration with a flagship Bordeaux-style blend Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Darius II taste like? Darius II 2014 is full-bodied and voluptuous, dominated by concentrated black cherry, plum, and cassis alongside savory layers of tobacco, cedar, leather, and dark chocolate. The tannins are firm yet polished, with a long, sophisticated finish.How does Darius II compare to Opus One? Both are premium Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blends anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon, but Darius II draws heavily from Mount Veeder's volcanic hillside vineyards, which tend to produce bolder tannins and more intensely concentrated dark fruit compared to the valley-floor elegance typical of Opus One.Is Darius II good for cellaring? Yes — the 2014 vintage's firm tannic structure, bright acidity from Mount Veeder fruit, and layered complexity suggest strong aging potential, with many collectors holding it for a decade or more from vintage.Where is Darius II made? Darius II is produced by Darioush Winery in Napa Valley, California, with fruit predominantly sourced from the Darioush Estate Vineyard and the Sage Vineyard, both located in the Mount Veeder AVA.What foods pair well with Darius II? Grilled or roasted lamb benefits from the wine's tobacco and cedar notes; braised short ribs match its full body and tannin; aged Gouda or Parmigiano-Reggiano complement the savory leather tones; and dark chocolate desserts echo the mid-palate richness without overwhelming the finish.What sizes does Darius II come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Darius II worth the price? Darius II positions as an ultra-premium flagship expression within the Darioush lineup, and its 96-point score from Owen Bargreen alongside a 93.1-point CellarTracker community average places it among well-regarded wines at its tier in the Napa Cabernet category.Why Darius II?The 96-point score from Owen Bargreen is not incidental — it reflects a wine that genuinely stands apart within a crowded field of Napa Valley Cabernet-dominant blends. What distinguishes Darius II 2014 is the Mount Veeder sourcing: volcanic soils and steep exposures that force low yields and high-concentration fruit, giving the wine a tannic architecture and aromatic complexity that flatter valley-floor sites rarely achieve. The blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Merlot and Malbec adds textural roundness without softening the wine's core intensity. For collectors and serious drinkers seeking a flagship Napa red with proven critical recognition and real cellar potential, Darius II 2014 delivers substance over style.
