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 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 2007 For the 2006, 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. "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. " 94 points, Robert Parker, December 2009

Pazzo "Call me crazy" 2007 For the 2007, 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. "The bistro-styled red is the 2007 Pazzo, one of the better values in the rather inflated pricing world of Napa Valley. A blend of Sangiovese and a few other grapes, the 2007 exhibits lots of roasted herb, pepper, spice, red and black fruit notes, a soft underbelly, and luscious density as well as purity. This sexy, seductive red should be consumed in its first 2-3 years of life. " 89 points, Robert Parker, Dec 2009

Janzen Estate "Cloudy's Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 "Intense, tight and firm, with savoury tannins, herb, sage and dried currant fruit that's compact and ending with a gritty edge. This is complex, and needs some time. Best from 2011 through 2017. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 285 cases made." 87 points, Wine Spectator, web 2010

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

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