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.
I opened this bottle to celebrate the opening day of the shortened MLB season and served with burgers.
Crimson in color. 14.6% ABV. 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Carmenere and 3% Malbec. Room filling nose of black and blue fruits, scorched earth, cocoa and licorice. Exceptional concentration and power. Silky and exceedingly plush. Perfect balance. Blackberries, cassis liqueur, currants and smoke on the palate. The finish is tremendous with silky tannins in spades. Stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that is aging gloriously. Best over the next 4-7 years.
My rating: 97 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. Look for the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Merlot at retail 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.