1999 Valley of the Moon Zinfandel
Sonoma
$13-$19
$13-$19 The "banana belt" microclimate that courses through this area -- hot sunny days, and cool rapturous evenings influenced by the Pacific-driven fog -- produces marvelous wines. Made from 100-percent Zinfandel grapes, the wine is a blend of 57-percent Sonoma Valley estate-grown "old vines" dating from the l940s and 43-percent classic Dry Creek Valley fruit. Aged 20 months in American and French oak barrels, the wine renders aromas of cranberries and currents, hints of dried herbs and earth, followed by elegant black cherry and berry flavors with an undercurrent of toasty oak. The wine's low acidity and mild tannins make it accessible drinking now. Great with Italian cuisine, barbecue, spicy Asian dishes and Mediterranean food. Available at Dorignac's, Sam's Club, Habano's of Slidell, Wine Down, Northshore Wine Merchants, and Acquistapace's Super Market in Covington, and Hugh's Wine Cellar in Mandeville. -- Brenda Maitland
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