Leonetti Cellar was founded in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins. Leonetti, along with Quilceda Creek and Woodward Canyon put premium Washington Cabernet Sauvignon on the radar of wine consumers across the United States. Leonetti also produces one of the very best domestic Merlots.
Leonetti is near and dear to me as a wine consumer, and I’ve been on their mailing list for 20 years. Vintages like the ’92 Merlot and ’98 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon are included among my most memorable wines.
Almost purple in color. 13.6% ABV. Fruit for this wine was sourced from Mill Creek Upland, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Windrow and Leonetti Estate Vineyards. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot. A powerful nose of blackberry, smoke, earth and cocoa. Cherries, cassis, coffee, tobacco and currants on the palate. This wine is the classic iron fist in a velvet glove. Rich, lush and powerful. The finish is breathtaking. Well cellared bottles should should cruise to 20 years of age.
My rating: 95 points.
Leonetti has a full mailing list but the wine is readily available at retail in late-March. The winery has done an exceptional job at holding the line on prices and you should be able to find bottles right around $85.
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