Bottle Notes

2002 Leonetti Reserve – 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.

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 17% Petite Verdot all from estate vineyards.

Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. Breathtaking nose of red fruits, leather, scorched earth and cigar box. Rich, concentrated and powerful. Perfect balance of fruit and tannins. Currants, cassis liqueur, plums and tobacco on the palate. Impressive length on the finish. Brilliant wine that is shining at twenty years of age. This will drink well for years to come and I’ll open my last bottle in 2027.

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.

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

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