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.
Purple in color. 14.5% ABV. Reticent nose of black fruits, leather and graphite. Full bodied and concentrated. Structure and power with just enough fruit to keep things interesting. Black cherry, coffee and cocoa on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Previous bottles of this wine have showed better. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 92 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.