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.
Dark red in color. 14.3% ABV. 100% Merlot from Estate Vineyards. Stunning nose of red fruits, creosote, violets and molten licorice. Big, dense and full bodied with a virtual cascade of flavors. Raspberry liqueur, cocoa powder and currants and cassis on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long and sweet with ever so silky tannins. Leonetti is in the conversation for best domestic Merlot and this particular vintage is incredibly appealing. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Leonetti was one of my very first mailing lists. Twenty years later I am still a buyer and the wines are better than ever. The winery has done an exceptional job at holding the line on prices. Although the mailing list is full and the waiting list is long the wine is readily available at retail in late March so look for the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2017 Merlot next Spring.