Jen's Picks
for the
Month of September
for the
Month of September
Bacio Divino – Divine Kiss
In the California custom of working with the new to improve the traditional, I looked to achieve a way of broadening the distinctly majestic flavors and aromas of the king of Napa Valley's varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon. With the 1993 vintage, I was able to determine a blend that married the elegant, yet rich and softly oaked Cabernet Sauvignon with the long and linear tannins and cherry, berry qualities of Sangiovese. To embellish the color and acid levels of the Sangiovese, I added some inimitable Petite Sirah. The resulting wine showed that a whole can be greater than its individual parts. And so...'Bacio Divino', a divine kiss, was born.
In the California custom of working with the new to improve the traditional, I looked to achieve a way of broadening the distinctly majestic flavors and aromas of the king of Napa Valley's varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon. With the 1993 vintage, I was able to determine a blend that married the elegant, yet rich and softly oaked Cabernet Sauvignon with the long and linear tannins and cherry, berry qualities of Sangiovese. To embellish the color and acid levels of the Sangiovese, I added some inimitable Petite Sirah. The resulting wine showed that a whole can be greater than its individual parts. And so...'Bacio Divino', a divine kiss, was born.
2007 Bacio Divino
An Artful Cabernet Sauvignon Blend incorporating ‘wee bits’ of, Sangiovese, Syrah and Merlot…
Bacio Divino shows a bright dark ruby color when poured, releasing aromas of blackberry
and current (cassis) fruit, with nuances of sweet vanilla. The palate is rich, yet elegant, and
mildly fruit-forward. Yet tannins, acid, oak and fruit are finely balanced in this wine. Bacio
Divino is as individual as its name – ‘divine kiss’. We believe you will enjoy this vintage over
the next decade or two.
Reviews
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, December, 2009.
Perhaps the finest example I have ever tasted of the flagship offering, the 2007 Bacio Divino (Cabernet
Sauvignon and small quantities of Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, and Merlot) boasts copious aromas of sweet
creme de cassis fruit intermixed with wild strawberries, spice box, loamy soil, pepper, and roasted herbs. In
the mouth, the wine reveals pure, rich, opulent fruit, medium to full body, no hard edges, and a luscious, fleshy
style that is difficult to resist. It should age easily for 5-10 years, but it is already irresistible. Interesting wines
are produced by longtime winemaker, Claus Janzen. . Rated ’94, Outstanding…
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine, April, 2010.
4% Sangiovese; 3% Syrah; 1% Merlot. Interesting for its mix of sweet berries and currants along with hints
of green olives and a slight tangy twist, this full-bodied bottling is very nicely balanced overall even if a bit
fleshy at the front of the palate. Like its mate bottled under Janzen (see below), this wine has an outgoing and
easily tasted personality yet boasts sufficient underlying structure to reward cellar aging. Rated 91, 2 puffs
(out of 3), Outstanding…
Connoisseurs Guide ‘Featured Choice’ from 100+ Cabernet Sauvignons reviewed…
Pazzo —Call me crazy...
The immediate and consistent popularity of Bacio Divino led me to believe that wine consumers were indeed ready for new blends. Working primarily with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, in inverse proportions to those of Bacio Divino, and small additions of other varietals such as Zinfandel, Merlot, and Viognier, we created Pazzo. Pazzo (which means 'crazy' in Italian) is a 'funky', unpretentious blend - an ingratiating wine that is wonderful to drink in its youth. In addition to its good looks, it displays a nose of red berry aromas and follows through with spirited, sweet, lingering, fruit flavors. We have enjoyed incredible success and growth with this unique blend .
The immediate and consistent popularity of Bacio Divino led me to believe that wine consumers were indeed ready for new blends. Working primarily with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, in inverse proportions to those of Bacio Divino, and small additions of other varietals such as Zinfandel, Merlot, and Viognier, we created Pazzo. Pazzo (which means 'crazy' in Italian) is a 'funky', unpretentious blend - an ingratiating wine that is wonderful to drink in its youth. In addition to its good looks, it displays a nose of red berry aromas and follows through with spirited, sweet, lingering, fruit flavors. We have enjoyed incredible success and growth with this unique blend .
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