Praise for Vagabond
2007
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Dec 2009 Rating: 90
The opaque purple-hued 2007 Vagabond (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and a touch of Viognier) offers a big, sweet kiss of spring flowers, black fruits, spice, charcoal, and a hint of road tar. Dense and layered, but light on its feet for so much fruit and richness, it should drink well for 6-8 years.
2006
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Dec 2008 Rating: 91
Bacio Divino’s seductive 2006 Vagabond, an intriguing blend of 67% Syrah and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, co-fermented with 3% Viognier, reveals aromas of spring flowers, blackberries, kirsch, and camphor, followed by lush, heady, generously endowed, expansive flavors. It should be consumed over the next 4-5 years.
2005
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Dec 2007 Rating:93
The other top-notch offering is the 2005 Vagabond, a brilliant blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its dark plum/purple color is accompanied by a rich, sweet bouquet of camphor, blackberries, acacia flowers, and a touch of bacon fat. Beautiful richness, silky texture, and a full-bodied, voluptuous finish suggest this stunning, hedonistic as well as intellectually pleasing wine will provide immense pleasure over the next 7-8 years.
2004
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Dec 2006 Rating 91 Drink 2006-2014
An impressive new offering is the 580-case 2004 Vagabond, a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged completely in French oak, it boasts a dense ruby/purple hue, a big, sweet, blackberry, flower, pepper, coffee, and chocolate-scented bouquet, full body, and a soft, expansive style. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. A barrel sample of a 100% 2005 Syrah may or may not become the Vagabond, but I did not think it was as dramatic as the 2004.
Wine Spectator Mar 31, 2007 Rating 91
Shows wonderful intensity and purity of fruit, with spicy, peppery blackberry and wild berry flavors and hazelnut and cedar notes. Deftly balanced and persistent on the finish, gaining complexity. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2011. 600 cases made. – JL Score: 91
Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine July 2007 Rating 91 Two Puffs
60% Syrah; 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Given its varietal mix, it is not especially surprising that this imposing, full-bodied bottling speaks to Syrah with a less than strong voice. It does, however, show a full measure of richness with abundant, blackberry fruitframed by sweet and equally plentiful oak, and it shows a nice sense of suppleness before being closed out by a rush of youthfully tough tannins. Happily, fruit fights its way through those tannins and makes a clear promise for good things to come in a half-dozen years.
