Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
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, this wine has an outgoing and easily tasted personality yet boasts sufficient underlying structure to reward cellar aging.
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!