Printable Page: Printable 2004 Pazzo Wine tasting sheet >>
Vintage: 2004
Varietal Content: 66% Sangiovese, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon,
7% Petit Sirah, 4% Viogner
Aging: All wines were aged in various new and one-year-old French Oak barrels, from November, 2004 to July, 2006.
Alcohol: 14.3% alcohol/volume
Grape Sources: All grapes are from Napa Valley vineyards. We have always maintained the highest standard of quality control over our estate vineyards and those with which we have had contracts.
Total Production: 3000 cases.
Winemaker: Claus Janzen
Tasting Notes: Balance and acidity are the keys to this wine! Sangiovese fruit usually exhibits abundant cherry flavors in the nose and palate, and Pazzo is brimming with this fresh fruit. Matured in various French and Hungarian oak barrels, the blend of wood spice and vibrant fruit make for a wonderful drink. This wine should be considered for current consumption. Pazzo is intended as a casual wine, moderately priced for a Napa Valley appellation.
Review:

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, December 2005 issue:
Pazzo “Call me crazy” 2003 Napa Red Rated 91, Outstanding.
This innovative effort from Claus Janzen is made with the assistance of Nils Venge’s winemaker son, Kirk Venge. The 2003 Pazzo is an undeniably delicious, hedonistically styled red made from a blend of 66% Sangiovese, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and a touch of Viognier. An evolved garnet color is followed by explosive aromas of dried herbs, strawberry liqueur, cherries, spice, pepper, and a hint of new saddle leather. With superb fruit, a lush, round attack and mid-section, and a heady finish, this is a complex California red to enjoy now and over the next 3-4 years.