Where to begin?  Darioush was recommended to us by a Frenchman at Domaine Carneros, where we had a really good time.

A preview: Go to Darioush, it’s worth the $25 tasting fee.

First thoughts on Darioush: What should those pillars be holding up?  Is this some sort of Persian temple? Where did this rented Dodge Charger take me?

Darioush was one of the top three wineries that we were to visit on our little tour of Napa.  Brilliant architecture, worth stopping for even if you don’t make it in for a tasting.

After wandering in the entrance and pulling myself together enough to stop staring at the three-story indoor waterfall, we found a spot at the bar.  The tasting room staff was really professional, and my favorite thing about them was their healthy pours.  They also knew about wine and were very interesting to talk to.

The wine was awesome, but wickedly expensive.  This was probably the only winery that I really enjoyed, but at the same time, was convinced that I could not afford anything.  The cheapest wine at Darioush?  A $39 Viognier.  Very good, but I haven’t met the white yet that was worth forty bucks to me.  To be totally honest, I was too ‘overwhelmed’ at this point to really remember what we tried, with the exception of the 2005 Syrah.  Dark, smooth…and a fantastic wine.  Not a value, but fantastic. That’s about all I can recall.  It became a rough day from this point on.

Darioush - Damn good, but expensive.

-Ryan