Leonetti Cellar was founded in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins. Leonetti and Quilceda Creek 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.
Bright crimson in color. 14.7% ABV. Sublime nose of dark fruits, Whitman Sampler Box, molten licorice and saddle leather. Full bodied with plush fruits. Warm, supple and approachable. Currants, cassis, plums and tobacco on the palate. Nice length on the finish with notable silky tannins. Really good Cabernet Sauvignon from an average vintage in Washington but lacking the power and concentration of the best versions of this Leonetti wine. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 93 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 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2024 Merlot next Spring.