Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

Although Ciccone Vineyard may, over time, become better known for production of Limited Edition Madonna Wines, its Lee La Tage -- a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Marechal Foch and DeChaunac -- is a deliciously inexpensive red wine. Highlighted by berry jam and spicy aromas, leading to black cherry and black fruit flavors, it sports a pleasing peppery finish.

Early in the winery’s history, founder Silvio Ciccone, father of Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone -- better known as Madonna -- did not wish to trade on his daughter's recognition as a most successful and simultaneously the most controversial female solo pop singer of our time. Now that Silvio Ciccone has recognition as a fine winery owner, he's more willing to connect his label to his daughter.

As a wine consumer, connect with his Lee La Tage, made from 100 percent estate-grown fruit, expressing the potential of red varietal blends from the Leelanau Peninsula AVA.

Reviewed November 26, 2006 by Eleanor & Ray Heald.