The immediate and consistent popularity of Bacio Divino led me to believe that wine consumers were indeed ready for new blends. Working primarily with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, in inverse proportions to those of Bacio Divino, and small additions of other varietals such as Zinfandel, Merlot, and Viognier, we created Pazzo. Pazzo (which means ’crazy’ in Italian) is a ’funky’, unpretentious blend - an ingratiating wine that is wonderful to drink in its youth. In addition to its good looks, it displays a nose of red berry aromas and follows through with spirited, sweet, lingering, fruit flavors. We have enjoyed incredible success and growth with this unique blend.

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.

Rating

Robert Parker 87 points (Feb 2005) The 2002 Pazzo (a blend that includes a significant portion of Sangiovese) exhibits notes of damp earth, saddle leather, strawberries, herbs, and spice. In the mouth, a strawberry/cherry fruit character takes over in this medium-bodied, distinctively Etruscan wine. Drink it over the next 1-2 years, preferably at your favorite Italian trattoria.

Wine maker notes

66% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Zinfandel, 5% Petit Sirah, 2% Viognier Aging: All wines were aged in a variety of newer and older French and Hungarian Oak barrels for 19 months. Bottling was in July 2004. Grape Sources: All grapes are from Napa Valley vineyards. From our beginning, we have maintained the highest standard of quality control over our estate vineyards and those with which we’ve had contracts.