Winemaker Notes
Blend: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Sangiovese, 12% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The second awesome release from this tiny winery dedicated to producing intriguing wines, the 1995 Bacio Divino (a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Sangiovese, and 12% Petit Sirah) is a formidable wine of exceptional richness, layers of flavor, and a multi-dimensional personality. The color is a deep saturated ruby/purple. The nose offers up juicy/jammy strawberry, black currant, and blackberry notes wrapped with subtle toasty oak. Full-bodied, with outstanding ripeness and purity, a silky texture, and an explosive finish, this is a sumptuous example of what can be done with three grapes rarely blended together in such proportions. By the way, sentimentalists will be moved by the government warning label that reads, "contains sulphites and also some of the winemaker's heart and soul."
-
Wine Spectator
A curious mix of varietals, its up-front creamy, oak-driven currant and berry flavors are followed by chewy tannins. Hits a few rough spots on the finish but also shows pretty berry notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!