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.
Sourced from Loess and Leonetti Old Block Vineyards.
Purple in color. 14.3% ABV. Stunning nose of dark fruits, Whitman Sampler box, graphite and flowers. Full bodied with impeccable balance. Rich, silky and concentrated. The classic iron fist in a velvet glove type of wine. Blackberry, creme de cassis, tobacco and cocoa on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Stunning Merlot and without question as good as it gets from the state of Washington. Best over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 96 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 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2022 Merlot at retail or you may have to wait for the next release in early 2025.
Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.