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.
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 11% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc sourced from Loess, Seven Hills Old Block, Mill Creek Upland and Old Winery Block Vineyards.
Crimson in color. 14.7% ABV. Sublime nose of black fruits, licorice, eucalyptus and leather. Full bodied with impressive concentration and structure. The fruits are dark and savory. Black currants, cassis, plums and tobacco leaves on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Not my favorite reserve from this era but this has certainly stood the test of time. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 93 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 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2024 Merlot as they were just recently released.