Bacio Divino was founded by Claus Janzen in 1993. His wine epiphany occurred while working winter seasons in Switzerland’s Berner Oberland. While in Switzerland, he fell in love with Burgundy. The wine was a Chorey-les-Beaune and it had a profound effect on the rest of his life. His palate and passion led him to France where he spent a year and a half visiting the top properties in the Rhone, Provence and Burgundy. In the late 1980s, Claus visited Napa Valley and met Charlie Wagner, founder of Caymus Vineyards. He became friends with Charlie’s son Chuck Wagner and soon found himself working harvest. Claus spent 12 years at Caymus, developing the most enviable international marketing operation in the Napa Valley. But Claus had viniculture ambitions of his own. In 1993, with the acquisition of a few tons of Sangiovese from an Oakville hillside he launched Bacio Divino. The wine was a roaring success from day one. Bacio Divino – Italian for divine kiss – is built on a base of Cabernet Sauvignon supported by Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Merlot, depending on the year. Bacio Divino owns three, 8 acre hillside vineyards located in Dutch Henry Canyon near Howell Mountain. Well-known consultants Nils and Kirk Venge advise Claus on winemaking and viticulture decisions.

Rating

Robert Parker 89 points (Dec 2009) The bistro-styled red is the 2007 Pazzo, one of the better values in the rather inflated pricing world of Napa Valley. A blend of Sangiovese and a few other grapes, the 2007 exhibits lots of roasted herb, pepper, spice, red and black fruit notes, a soft underbelly, and luscious density as well as purity. This sexy, seductive red should be consumed in its first 2-3 years of life.