2016 Darius II by Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon   

Summoning incredible depth and density with its exquisite opaque color, 2016 Darius II bares its mountainous origins with lovely aromatics— crushed violets, Kirsch, crème de cassis and incense-laced black fruits. Primary flavors of black raspberries, wild blueberries and warm plums usher in an earth-laden core of black truffles, fresh tobacco, licorice and steeped oolong tea.

While luscious and full-bodied, the wine exhibits an effortless tension between decadent fruit, earth tone and vibrant acidity. It’s poised and polished, with a certain finesse that carries across its sturdy frame of fine, seamless tannins. Lively, spiced notes of garam masala rise to punctuate the impressively long finish.