Bottle Notes, Merlot

2009 Leonetti Merlot – Bottle Notes

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.

Violet in color. 14.3% ABV. Soaring nose of black fruits, molten licorice, Whitman Sampler Box and toasty oak. Plush and silky. The epitome of liquid velvet. Incredibly concentrated. Cassis liqueur, black raspberry and black currants on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Stunning Merlot that leaves no doubt that Leonetti does this variety better than any producer in Washington and perhaps in the US. I’ll revisit my last few bottles over the next 2-4 years.

My rating: 95 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.

Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.

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