Praise for Bacio Divino
2004
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate , Dec 2006 Rating:90
The flagship offering, the 2004 Bacio Divino Proprietary Red, is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and equal parts Sangiovese and Petite Sirah. A more dramatic wine, it offers notes of black raspberries, incense, Provencal herbs, spice box, and sweet cherries.
Wine Spectator, May 15, 2007 Rating: 91
"A big, rich, intensely flavored Cabernet blend, with firm, chunky tannins wrapped around a core of black cherry, wild berry, earth, mineral and sage, ending with gritty tannins. Needs cellaring or decanting. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah and Merlot. Drink now through 2012. 1,155 cases made. - J.L.
2003
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec 2005 Rating: 93 Drink 2005-2013
This innovative effort from Claus Janzen is made with the assistance of Nils Venge's winemaker son, Kirk Venge. Concentrated, serious, and complex is the 2003 Proprietary Red, a combination of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, and Syrah. In contrast to the leaner, more austere and streamlined 2002, the 2003 is an exuberant, flamboyant, dense ruby/purple-colored effort offering a rich, sumptuous nose of black raspberries, spice box, cedar, subtle Provencal herbs, and earth. Full-bodied, expansive, and beautifully textured, this is a savory, sumptuous wine to drink over the next 5-8 years.
2002
Somm Selections, Spring 2007 Rating: 92 Drink 2006 – 2010
AROMA – 14/15 – black currant, blackberry jam, cocoa; FLAVOR– 14/15 – lush fruit, low acid, mouth–filling; STRUCTURE – 13/15 – soft, lush, hedonistic; LENGTH– 14/15 – long, soft, brambleberry finish; BALANCE – 37/40 – soft, but beguiling with its hedonism;
"An eccentric blend, but there is something loveable about its intent to please. Soft, lush, full–bodied with integrated tannins. "
Wine Spectator, July 31,2005 Rating: 91
A remarkably complex and successful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah. Offers a wonderful range of flavors, from the core of currant and blackberry to hints of cedar, sage, anise and nutmeg. Tightly wound and firmly tannic, with a long, intricate finish. Needs short-term cellaring. Best from 2006 through 2012. 1,548 cases made. – JL Score
2001
Wine Spectator, Nov 15, 2004 Rating: 90
Intense and concentrated, with fine structure and chewy tannins wrapped around a core of spicy currant, anise, blackberry and spicy nuances. Given its size and tannic strength, short–term cellaring is advised. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah. Best from 2006 through 2012. 1,525 cases made. –JL
2000
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate December 2003 90 points
1999
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate August 2002 92 points
1998
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate June 2002 90 points
1997
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate June 2000 90 points
1996
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate August 1999 92 points
1995
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate August 1998 94+ points
1993
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate August 1997 93+ points
