92pts Connoisseurs' Guide
Always among the most lavish examples of Viognier to be had, this latest from Darioush meets all expectations and is a luxurious rendition of sweeping richness and fruity depth. While very fullbodied, it is also exceptionally well-balanced for a wine of its considerable size with emphatic, slightly honeyed, tropical fruit in abundance and a nice dollop of creamy oak tossed in for good measure. It is a big wine that wants matching with appropriately rich foods and will shine with sweet-and-spicy fare, and, while wonderfully flavorful and wholly accessible now, it is not about to fade away any time soon.
90pts Wine Spectator
A floral and fragrant mix of yellow apple, melon and peach notes, set on a supple, juicy frame, with terrific purity to the fruit flavors and a hint of litsea oil on the finish. Drink now.
Winemaker Notes
Crisp and remarkably fragrant, the 2018 Signature Viognier opens with fresh floral aromas of honeysuckle, acacia flower, and bergamot. A lift of bright citrus on first sip quickly broadens to pleasing layers of stone fruits- juicy apricot and nectarine- which unfold to reveal its sleek, flinty minerality. A spiced finish punctuated by hints of nutmeg and toasted hazelnuts adds textural complexity and persistence.