Bottle Notes, Merlot

2009 Leonetti Merlot – Bottle Notes

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.

78% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc with fruit from Mill Creek Upland, Loess and Seven Hills Old Block Vineyards.

Dark crimson in color. 14.3% ABV. Stunning nose of black fruits, Whitman Sampler box, espresso and leather. Full bodied and concentrated with an abundance of fruits. Well balanced. Blackberries, cassis liqueur, chocolate and plums on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Stellar Merlot that has aged brilliantly. Best over the next 2-3 years.

My rating: 94 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 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Merlot at retail next Spring. The Leonetti single vineyards wines from the 2017 vintage will be released within the next month.

Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.

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