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.
Leonetti has been a long time tradition in our household on New Year’s Eve.
63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petite Verdot and 17% Merlot from Mill Creek Upland Vineyard.
Purple in color. 14.7% ABV. Spellbinding nose of dark fruits, scorched earth, Whitman Sampler box and violets. Exceptionally plush and concentrated. The classic iron fist in a velvet glove. Black currants, cassis liqueur, plums and anise on the palate. The finish is long and seamless with ultra fine tannins. Breathtaking wine that is aging brilliantly. This should cruise to 20 years of age and beyond.
My rating: 97 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.
Also consider reading The Wines of Chris Figgins and Barrel Tasting With Chris Figgins.