Bottle Notes, Merlot

2010 Leonetti Merlot – Bottle Notes

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.

Crimson in color. 14.3% ABV. Stunning nose of black fruits, Whitman Sampler Box and violets. Lush and incredibly rich. Tremendous structure and balance. Blackberry, cassis liqueur, currants and anise on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with silky tannins. Gorgeous Merlot. This might very well last longer but it is hard to see it getting better. What other Washington Merlots aspire to. Best over the next several 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 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2020 Merlot at retail next Spring.

Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.

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