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.
Dark crimson in color. 14.7% ABV. 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petite Verdot and 17% Merlot. Sublime nose of black fruits, Whitman Sampler box, leather and flowers. Medium to full bodied with plush dark fruits. Tremendous structure and concentration. Blackberry, plum, cassis liqueur and chocolate truffle on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with mostly resolved tannins. Delicious and in just a perfect spot after 20 years of bottle age. Best over the next few years.
My rating: 94 points.
Leonetti was one of my very first mailing lists. Thirty years later I am still a buyer and the wines are as good as 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.