DARIOUSH DISTINCTION

The Crown Jewel of the Darioush estate, Darius II captures the diverse

and exquisite beauty within each vintage. With an uncompromising

commitment to crafting a wine with complexity, composure and refinement,

Darius II is the hallmark of the Darioush style.

TASTING NOTES

Bearing the remarkable complexity, poise and seamlessness that has become

synonymous with this estate’s crown jewel, 2014 Darius II expresses in equal

parts the pure character of its primarily hillside origins and the delicate

nuance of an idyllic vintage. On entry, sensational aromas of blueberry,

blackcurrants, crème de cassis and spring blooms beckon an intensely

voluptuous palate laden with tangy black and blue fruits—black cherry, plum

and licorice flavors are framed by soft, finely-knit tannins. The wine is rich

and opulent, with persistent notes of leather, tobacco and sandalwood

incense adding depth and intrigue. A decadent earthy core of bittersweet

cocoa and finely ground espresso lent by mountainside vineyards, is balanced

by a fresh, lifted quality. Beautiful in its youth, this wine is sure to reward the

patient collector over the next decade or two.

THE VISUAL HALLMARK OF DARIUS II

In the spirit of sharing, Darioush and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum

have joined together to feature ancient traditions in Persian Art. With

collections unrivaled in their scope and diversity, the time-honored works

selected from the V&A archives span thousands of years of creativity and

capture the craftsmanship and integrity of Darius II.

THE LABEL ART

The art adorning 2014 Darius II depicts the tradition of the Saghi, or Wine

Bearer, an influential and heralded position in the ancient Persian royal courts, among aristocrats, in wine houses and in

mystical and religious traditions over a thousand years old. The Saghi were experts in the art and custom of hospitality,

hosting and wine service. More, they were bearers of knowledge and inspiration, confidantes, muses and guides —

embodying mysticism and beauty, a reflection of the Divine. In her beauty and wisdom, the Saghi possessed transcendent

often angelic qualities, representing the fleeting nature of life and embodying the intoxicating and enlightening eects of

wine. Described as originally hanging in the Shah’s palace in Tehran and painted by an unknown artist in the early 1800s,

the artwork was acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1876.