2002 Darioush "Signature" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The fuller, more complete 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon displays a more opaque ruby/purple color along with notions of spice box, smoky oak, black currants, white chocolate and charcoal. With outstanding fruit and purity as well as a full-bodied texture, this youthful 2002 should age nicely for another 10-15 years. Drink through 2027. (RP)

There is no want of intensity or sheer volume here, and at every point this extravagantly oaked opus leads with deep and well-formed curranty fruit. It is a broad-shouldered wine as Cabernet of this ripeness is wont to be, but it is not unduly astringent and its ample alcohols are well-buffered by abundant fruit extracts. Its rich and outgoing style is bound to tempt some into putting it on the table early, but we would like to see it left to age for a few more years. *Two Stars*