Rutherford’s Whitehall Lane has always been for us more than just another fun winery visit along Highway 29. All the way back to its founding by the Finkelstein brothers back in 1979, it’s always been a destination for terrific, terroir-driven reds and whites at really good prices. Remember how good the Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc was for the money back in the day? Anyway, after a few lean years while in the hands of Kikkoman (who soon discovered that wine was far less profitable than soy sauce) it was purchased by the Leonardini family in 1993. They invested in a thorough restoration of the winery’s vineyards, its winery and, eventually, its reputation leading, now, to Whitehall Lane’s position as one of the top sources of Napa Valley Floor wines- still at good prices. Three generations of Leonardinis (the three lions) worked on the creation of the winery’s Tre Leoni red blend, a fun-to-drink, thoroughly delicious blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. Created with an eye for immediate gratification and excellent service alongside all sorts of foods (and all by itself), it’s a triumph of the blender’s art. It has depth, balance, big flavors and a great price tag. Think cranberries, chocolate-covered cherries, plums, tapenade and vanilla all vying for your attention on a lavish, silky frame that finishes with nice, round tannin. Expertly made and ready to go, it’s one of the best values from the Napa Valley we’ve seen in while! Great candidate for the house red now that grilling season is almost here.

Wine Enthusiast: This ultra-smooth and layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel offers rich, creamy flavors of milk chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla surrounding a core of black cherries and raspberry syrup. It is handsomely oaked, light in tannins and comes off slightly sweet on the finish. 92 points