$74.95(retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt
Cliff Lede of Cliff Lede Vineyards in Napa is no doubt the flag-bearer of Canadian-born winery owners in the Napa Valley after purchasing S. Anderson in 2002. There’s another Canuck plying the wine business down the road in Rutherford: Claus Janzen of Bacio Divino Cellars. He operates the winery with his wife, Diane, and his son, Kyle. The Janzens moved from Winnipeg when Claus helped Caymus launch an international marketing operation during his 12 years with the winery.
The first vintage of Bacio Divino was produced from a “chance acquisition” of a quantity of sangiovese grapes in 1993. Fast forward to 2016 and the family now produces four labels: Janzen, Lucie, Pazzo (a marvelous blend of sangiovese, merlot, syrah and cab that we’ve carried at CV) and Vagabond.
Consulting winemaker for the winery is the very talented Kirk Venge, owner of Venge Vineyards, launched by his legendary father, Nils, creator of Scouts Honor Proprietary Red.
Wine Spectator Review (90 pts.): “A juicy, zesty style, with a racy streak to the core of wild berry and blackberry fruit. Snappy acidity keeps the flavors lively. Ends with firm tannins. Drink now through 2024.”
Wine Enthusiast Review (90 pts.): “This approachable cab is from both estate and sourced fruit, all cabernet sauvignon. It opens with a waft of tropical coconut before delving classically into smooth black cherry, cranberry and licorice, the tannins still monstrous and the oak packing a punch.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “Our latest vintage of Janzen Napa Valley Cabernet unites the unique mountain character of our estate fruit with the finesse offered by cabernet from Rutherford and Oakville. 2012 was an excellent vintage for cabernet in Napa. Long hang-times and intense ripeness offer approachability in younger wines. The depth of tannin and acidity will also allow this wine to age wonderfully.”
Blend: 100% cabernet sauvignon