The “Tre Leoni” (3 lions) name pays tribute to the three generations of Leonardinis now involved with the family winery. The 2019 is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. The blend is assembled by winemaker Jason Moulton after the components have been fermented and aged separately for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak casks. Dark in color with effusive ripe black cherry, plum and spice in the aroma, it is a rich, mouth-filling wine with loads of ripe fruit, hints of oak, and dusty tannins. Quite muscular yet well-structured, it is the ultimate pizza wine and a fine partner for hearty dishes.
Whitehall Lane Winery, Napa Valley (California) 2019
By Norm Roby