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.
100% Merlot from Mill Creek Upland, Loess and Seven Hills Vineyards.
Dark crimson in color. 14.3% ABV. Showstopping nose of black fruits, Whitman Sampler box and leather. Full bodied with perfect acidity. Powerful and immensely concentrated. Black cherry, cassis liqueur, currants and chocolate truffles on the palate. The finish on the wine is exceptionally long. Stunning Merlot that is showing brilliantly at ten 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. Look for the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Merlot at retail next Spring.
Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.