The 1998 Leonetti Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was the winning bottle in the March Installment of Pick My Next Bottle.
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. Chris Figgins is now in charge of the winemaking.
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 wine experiences.
Fruit for the ’98 Reserve was sourced from Seven Hills, Windrow and Spring Valley Vineyards. The grape composition is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.5% Petite Verdot and 12.5% Merlot.
Briefly decanted. Ruby red in color. 13.7% ABV. Sensational aromatics of black fruits, pencil, leather and plums. Flavors of cassis, cloves, graham cracker, and currants. This finish is long and spicy with super silky tannins and just a hint of toasty oak. Sexy wine from an outstanding vintage in Washington. This wine should cruise to twenty years of age which is when I will check in on my last bottle.
My rating: 96 points.
Leonetti has a full mailing list but the wine is readily available at retail in late March. The 2012 Leonetti Reserve will set you back $150.
I blogged about Chris Figgins previously in The Wines of Chris Figgins.
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Nice write-up, Tom. Sounds like a beautiful traditional Bordeaux blend. Did not realize Leonetti cabs could last 20 years. Thanks for the perspective! Cheers!