The Crown Jewel of the Darioush Estate, Darius II is a refined, age-worthy collectible that captures the singular and exceptional qualities of each vintage from our Napa Valley vineyards. The time-honored artworks selected for each label span thousands of years of creativity and reflect the craftsmanship and integrity of Darius II.
THE LABEL ART
The intricate pattern featured on the 2021 Darius II label was sourced from an 1860 watercolor British architect-designer, Owen Jones (1809-74). With a respect for the cultural significance behind every design element, Jones works meticulously documented patterns and motifs spanning centuries and civilizations—often honoring the refined beauty of ancient Persian artistry. He asserted that design, at its core, is a language that transcends boundaries, connecting us to the rich tapestry of human culture—a metaphor that is embraced in winemaking.
The Crown Jewel of the Darioush Estate, Darius II is a refined, age-worthy collectible that captures the singular and exceptional qualities of each vintage from our Napa Valley vineyards. The time-honored artworks selected for each label span thousands of years of creativity and reflect the craftsmanship and integrity of Darius II.
THE LABEL ART
The art adorning 2014 Darius II depicts the tradition of the Saghi, or Wine Bearer, an influential and heralded position in the ancient Persian royal courts, among aristocrats, in wine houses and in mystical and religious traditions over a thousand years old. The Saghi were experts in the art and custom of hospitality, hosting and wine service. More, they were bearers of knowledge and inspiration, confidantes, muses and guides — embodying mysticism and beauty, a reflection of the Divine. In her beauty and wisdom, the Saghi possessed transcendent often angelic qualities, representing the fleeting nature of life and embodying the intoxicating and enlightening effects of wine.
Described as originally hanging in the Shah’s palace in Tehran and painted by an unknown artist in the early 1800s, the artwork was acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1876.
The Crown Jewel of the Darioush Estate, Darius II is a refined, age-worthy collectible that captures the singular and exceptional qualities of each vintage from our Napa Valley vineyards. The time-honored artworks selected for each label span thousands of years of creativity and reflect the craftsmanship and integrity of Darius II.
THE LABEL ART
The first towns and cities in history grew up along the Silk Roads, where great empires exchanged goods, ideas, languages, and faiths across the thousands of miles that linked the Pacific and Mediterranean with Central Asia and Persia.
The 14th-century textile selected to adorn 2016 Darius II exemplifies this rich history and cultural exchange. Woven in Iran with silk and gold thread using a traditional 2-person drawloom, it reflects design influences from the Far East and Italy. Luxurious fabrics were a staple commodity in international trade at this time, this textile was destined for Europe where it was fashioned into a ceremonial church garment which ensured its preservation, making it one of the largest surviving 14th-century Iranian textiles of its kind.
Darius II captures the diverse and exquisite beauty within each vintage in a rare library release. The time-honored artworks selected for each label span thousands of years of creativity and reflect the craftsmanship and integrity of Darius II.
THE LABEL ART
Echoing the intricacy and vibrancy that distinguishes the 2015 vintage from its predecessors, this label depicts an elaborately embroidered linen scarf from the 18th century, held in the V&A’s world-class collection of Middle Eastern textiles. From the 1720’s onwards, Ottoman embroidery became a genuinely creative art form – new, naturalistic floral motifs were introduced and depicted in great detail. The colors used to embroider this textile were originally bright and vibrant, which have faded over time to pleasing pastel shades.