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.
Cabernet Sauvignon 83%, Merlot 8% and small amounts of Malbec, Carmenere and Cabernet Franc from Mill Creek Upland, Pepperbridge, Loess and Seven Hills Vineyards.
Bright crimson in color. 14.6% ABV. Stunning nose of black fruits, licorice, scorched earth and leather. Plush, rich and silky. Tremendous structure and concentration. Currants, cassis, black raspberry, chocolate and espresso on the palate. The finish is long and seamless with fine grained tannins. Exceptional Cabernet but I expect nothing less from Leonetti. 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. In other news Leonetti also recently released their first set of single vineyard wines from the 2016 vintage.
Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.