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.
71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and 13% Petit Verdot from Mill Creek Upland and Leonetti Estate Vineyards.
Crimson in color. 14.3% ABV. Breathtaking nose of black fruits, Whitman Sampler box, scorched earth and violets. Exceptionally plush, silky and concentrated. Impeccably balanced. Blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, cocoa and black currants on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Stunning wine that exceeded my lofty expectations. Close to perfection. I’ll open my last bottle in 2028.
My rating: 99 points.
Leonetti was one of my very first mailing lists. Thirty 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 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2023 Merlot release early next year.
Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.