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 part of Figgins Family Wine Estates. Chris Figgins is now in charge of the winemaking.
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere. Sourced from Mill Creek Upland and Seven Hills Vineyards.
Crimson in color with a touch of bricking at the edge of the glass. 14.6% ABV. Heady nose of red and black fruits, leather, menthol and anise. Big, plush and concentrated. Black currents, cassis liqueur, smoke and licorice on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Classic Leonetti that is just gorgeous at 15 years of age. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 95 points.
Leonetti was one of my very first mailing lists. Twenty five 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 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2018 Merlot next Spring.
Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.