United States · California

Darioush

Darioush Khaledi founded Darioush Winery on the Silverado Trail in the Stags Leap District in 2004 after acquiring Napa vineyards in 1997, bringing a vision of Persian-inspired luxury architecture and Napa Valley viticulture that created one of the appellation's most distinctive visitor experiences alongside serious Cabernet Sauvignon production. The signature Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District fruit — a blend typically including Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc — earns 91–95 points from major critics and represents the estate's primary auction wine. Darius II is the estate's super-premium single-vineyard Cabernet, typically earning 93–96 points and trading at a premium. The Signature series includes Merlot, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, providing breadth across varieties unusual for a Napa luxury estate. The architectural winery, inspired by Persepolis, has made Darioush one of the Napa Valley's most-visited luxury tasting destinations and amplifies brand recognition in the collector market. With 637 lots averaging $135 per bottle, Darioush is positioned in the mid-premium Napa tier — well above entry-level but accessible relative to Stags Leap estates like Stag's Leap Wine Cellars or Shafer. Older vintages of Darius II from the mid-2000s attract the most competitive auction bidding, as they approach 15–20 years of age with their full complexity accessible.