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.
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Carmenere and 3% Malbec from the Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Seven Hills Vineyards.
Purple in color. 14.6% ABV. Breathtaking nose of black fruits, Whitman Sampler box and scorched earth. Full bodied with concentration and power in spades. Impeccable balance. Exceptionally rich and lush. Black currants, cassis liqueur, chocolate and molten licorice on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish with the silkiest of tannins. Stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that could not be showing better. Best over the next 2-4 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.