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.
85% Merlot blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from the estate vineyards.
Purple in color. 14.5% ABV. Sublime nose of black and blue fruits, scorched earth, Whitman Sampler box and violets. Full bodied, rich and plush. Tremendous concentration. Currants, creme de cassis, blueberries and chocolate truffle on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Drinking incredibly well now but the future is bright. Best over the next 4-6 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. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Merlot were just released.
Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.