Bacio Divino Cellars St. Helena, Napa Valley

Bacio is a small family-owned winery, located in the Napa Valley, which produces three very different proprietary red wine blends. Their primary wine is called "Bacio Divino", and is a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, incorporating smaller amounts of Sangiovese and Petit Sirah. Pazzo is a 'bistro-style' wine which is to some degree the inverse blend of Bacio, predominantly Sangiovese complimented by Cabernet Sauvignon. "Vagabond" is the newest addition to the portfolio, a full-bodied blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. All wines are Napa Valley appellations. The winery is the owned by Canadian Claus Janzen who moved to the Napa Valley from Winnipeg and became a friend and disciple of Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards. He has received critical acclaim for Bacio Divino from the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker since its first release, the 1993. Volume is still low at about 1500 cases and demand always outstrips supply.

Bacio Divino 2005 For the 2005, winemaker Claus Janzen blended a number of separately harvested and vinified lots comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Petit Sirah. All wines were aged in various new and one year old French Oak barrels, from November to July. The estate's Cabernet Sauvignon comes from seven vineyards, including world class vineyards such as 'To Kalon Vineyard' in Oakville, 'Georges Latour III Vineyard' in Rutherford, and their own 'Stix & Stones Vineyard' in Dutch Henry Canyon near Howell Mountain. The Sangiovese comes from a high elevation vineyard in Atlas Peak, and a hillside vineyard in the heart of the Oakville appellation. The Petit Sirah vineyard is located just north of Calistoga. All fruit and wines are Napa appellation. "Janzen's flagship offering, the 2005 Bacio Divino Proprietary Red Wine, is a proprietary blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 18% Sangiovese, and the rest Petite Sirah. It boasts a deep ruby/purple hue in addition to aromas of black raspberries, black currants, licorice, incense, and background oak. Sexy, opulent, fleshy, full-bodied, and loaded with character, it can be enjoyed over the next 5-7 years." 92 points, Robert Parker, December 2007

Pazzo "Call me crazy" 2006 For the 2006, winemaker Claus Janzen, blended a number of separately harvested and vinified lots comprising two-thirds Sangiovese, and seven other varietals making up the difference, including some Viognier for perfume and vibrancy. All the wines were separately aged in a variety of newer and older French and Hungarian oak barrels for 19 months prior to final blending. The blending of several varietals to achieve something beyond the scope of any one grape is the goal at Bacio Divino Cellars. Pazzo is another example of this philosophy. This wine should be considered for current consumption. Production is about 3,000 cases per year. Pazzo is intended as a casual wine, moderately priced for a Napa Valley appellation. There are no reviews for the 2006 at this time, but the 2005 received the following review: "A gorgeously hedonistic, flavourful blend of 73% Sangiovese and the rest small amounts of Petit Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and even a touch of the white varietal, Viognier. A fragrant perfume of sweet roasted herbs, kirsch, black currant, and pepper jumps from the glass of this supple textured fleshy wine. The ideal bistro-styled red, it will be fun to drink over the next 2-3 years." 91 points, Robert Parker, Dec 2007

Vagabond 2005 In this vintage, the Syrah for this blend is derived from two vineyards in two very different locations. The primary vineyard is situated in the Coombsville area of Napa and the remainder of the Syrah fruit comes from a small vineyard in St. Helena. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes primarily from the esteemed Georges III vineyard in Rutherford. The intensity of the Syrah's flavour profile, blended with the formidable structure of the Cabernet varietal, combine ideally for this brooding and mysterious blend. The palate is seemless in texture, with no 'bumps' or objectional tannins in the way. The aromas are profound, with a lively fruit and oak balance. 720 cases produced. "The other top-notch offering is the 2005 Vagabond, a brilliant blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dark plum/purple colour is accompanied by a rich, sweet bouquet of camphor, blackberries, acacia flowers, and a touch of bacon fat. Beautiful richness, silky texture, and a full-bodied, voluptuous finish suggest this stunning, hedonistic as well as intellectually pleasing wine will provide immense pleasure over the next 7-8 years." 93 points, Robert Parker, Dec 2007

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All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.

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