Darioush Merlot

Description

Darioush Distinction Aromatic complexity and typicity is a hallmark of Darioush Signature Merlot. Our meticulous vineyard practices, the unique microclimates and soils from our Southern Napa Valley vineyards atop Mount Veeder and on the Valley floor naturally restrict, concentrate and carefully ripen this noble Bordeaux variety to coax a plush yet focused wine.Tasting Notes 2014 Signature Merlots powerful stance is asserted on the palatea tangle of wild red and blackfruits reveal a deeply satisfying and supple mouthfeel accented by earthy core of graphite, mocha dust and cinnamon. Intense, alluring aromas of lavender, blackberry compote and red plum suggest its mountainside origins. While rich and round at its core, the wine exhibits a measure of restraint with firm yet fine tannins suggestive of longer term aging.Vinification With meticulous attention to detail, Darioush Signature Merlot is farmed and hand-harvested into small 28 lb. baskets, clusters and berries are hand-sorted twice, before and after de-stemming. Fermenting took place in traditional closed top fermenters, including cold soaking for 4 days, with gentle pump-overs for optimal color extraction and tannin management. The wine was aged 20 months, with barrel-to-barrel racking, in a combination of 70% new French oak barrels from St. Emillion. The wine was minimally handled through bottling. – Darioush