Consistent, fresh, classic.
This Chianti Classico, from Zingarelli is Sangiovese with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that was aged in Slavonion and French oak for 24 months before bottling.
Notes of strawberry and red cherries, vanilla, dried roses, tangerine zest, leather, mint and fine spices lead to a fresh palate. It has an earthy classic character with red fruits, tobacco, cedar and spice. Medium-bodied, this is a wine that consistently offers good value.
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 6th, 2023

Supple, generous, opulent.
Lake Sonoma Winery is a business venture co-founded by Quails' Gate CEO Tony Stewart. The Lake Sonoma label was established in 1977, but the Valley of the Moon estate and winery Stewart purchased is over 150-years-old (1863) - a true piece of Californian history.
The grapes for the wines in the portfolio are all sourced from sub-appellations of Sonoma, as is this Cabernet.
Expect spiced currants and black cherry, vanilla, licorice, chocolate, graphite and baking spice aromas. The palate is supple and opulent with rich mocha, tobacco and spice. Approachable and generous, it also has a long chocolaty finish.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 13th, 2022

Supple, delicious, slick.
Lake Sonoma Winery is a business venture co-founded by Quails' Gate CEO Tony Stewart. The Lake Sonoma label was established in 1977, but the Valley of the Moon estate and winery Stewart purchased is over 150-years-old (1863) - a true piece of Californian history.
The grapes for the wines in the portfolio are all sourced from sub-appellations of Sonoma, as is this Cabernet.
Chocolate and cassis, vanilla, baking spices, pencil shavings and prune, along with pipe tobacco, describe the nose. It has a slick texture and supple weight; black fruits, tobacco, vanilla and mocha flavours dominate the palate. Boasting notable balance and structure--it is a fresh, delicious and complete wine with polished tannins.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 18th, 2021

Opulent, generous, balanced.
Lake Sonoma Winery is a business venture co-founded by Quails' Gate CEO Tony Stewart. The Lake Sonoma label was established in 1977, but the Valley of the Moon estate and winery Stewart purchased is over 150-years-old (1863) - a true piece of Californian history.
The grapes for the wines are all sourced from sub-appellations of Sonoma, in the case of this Zinfandel, Dry Creek, which is basically sandwiched between the more northerly Alexander Valley and below by the Russian River Valley.
Expect opulent aromas of purple berries and vanilla, licorice, chocolate, pipe tobacco and clove. The palate is supple and concentrated; mocha and liberal fruit it has a glycerol-like weight and balanced freshness.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 16th, 2022

Expressive, generous, balanced.
Lake Sonoma Winery is a business venture co-founded by Quails' Gate CEO Tony Stewart. The Lake Sonoma label was established in 1977, but the Valley of the Moon estate and winery Stewart purchased is over 150-years-old (1863) - a true piece of Californian history.
The grapes for the wines are all sourced from sub-appellations of Sonoma, in the case of this Zinfandel, Dry Creek, which is basically sandwiched between the more northerly Alexander Valley and below by the Russian River Valley.
Muddled blueberry and black cherry aromas are woven with pomegranate, chocolate nibs, vanilla liqueur, licorice, dried rose petals and undertones of smoked spices. It is a supple wine with expressive fruit, brown spice and tobacco flavours. Lovely balance and good bones.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 29th, 2021