Praise for Bacio Divino
2007
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Dec 2009 Rating:94
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.
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine Apr 2010 Rating:91 TWO PUFFS
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.
2006
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Dec 2008 Rating:91
Bacio Divino's flagship wine represents an intriguing blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with small quantities of Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, and Merlot. The 2006 Bacio Divino Proprietary Red (1,000 cases) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as notes of melted licorice, black currants, blueberries, and raspberries. This opulent, fleshy, fruity 2006 is hard to resist. It is best drunk during its first 4-5 years of life.
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine April 2009 Rating:Rating: 91 TWO PUFFS
65% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Sangiovese; 13% Merlot; 3% Petite Sirah; 2% Syrah; 2% Viognier. This somewhat unorthodox blending of grapes has produced a wine with attractive, bright, cherryish fruit tinged with notes of currants and orange rind. It is full and fairly supple on the palate, carries plenty of firming acid yet is softer in tannin than its cepage and energy might suggest. Long and just enough on the solid side as it finishes, it will drink well now and for the five years hence.
Wine Enthusiast June 1, 2009 Rating:90
This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Viognier, which makes it quite unusual, even unique in California. It's quite an interesting wine, showing blackberry, currant and cedar flavors, with a bright, crisp acidity possibly contributed by the Viognier. Are there flowers in there too? Keeps you guessing.
2005
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Dec 2007 Rating:92
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.
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
2002
Somm Selections, Spring 2007 Rating: 92
Wine Spectator July 31,2005 Rating: 91
2001
Wine Spectator, Nov 15, 2004 Rating: 90
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
