A winery with serious prestige, Leonetti Cellar was founded in 1977 as Walla Walla’s first winery. Leonetti’s legacy traces back to the Leonetti Farm, first established in 1906 – which became the site where owner Gary Figgins would come to plant his first commercial vineyard in 1974. Leonetti has received international acclaim for their wines since that time, as they have cemented their place as one of the top wineries in Washington State. Superstar winemaker, Chris Figgins, son of Gary Figgins, has been making these impressive wines since 2001. I have been very impressed with the aging potential of these gorgeous wines, which cellar beautifully for decades. Just recently I enjoyed a 2008 Leonetti Merlot, which was incredibly vibrant considering its age.
I recently had the opportunity to stop by the Leonetti estate. Similar to my visit to Leonetti in 2015, this impressive tasting showcased some incredible new release wines, none eclipsing the absolutely scintillating 2013 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ Red Wine (WWB, 97). This massive and structured beauty will cellar beautifully for decades. Their 2014 Leonetti Merlot (WWB, 95) follows up the impressive 2013 bottling and showcases the classic milk chocolate and black fruit tones that have made Leonetti Merlot one of the finest of its kind in North America. Here are the impressive new release wines by Leonetti Cellar. Learn more at http://leonetticellar.com/
2013 Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese- A stunning wine by this estate, the 2013 Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese is likely the most impressive wine of its kind in Washington. Sourced from the Seven Hills, Mill Creek Upland and Serra Pedace vineyards, this 100% Sangiovese wine was aged 22 months in French oak prior to bottling. The wine opens with aromatics of spicebox, pipe tobacco, red cherry, wild strawberry and hints of black tea. The wine has flavors of black cherry, tobacco leaf, black raspberry, black tea and eucalyptus with a striking minerality. This is absolutely gorgeous, as this is truly a one of a kind wine. Drink 2016-2026 -94
2014 Leonetti Cellar Merlot- The 2014 Leonetti Merlot is a gorgeous follow-up to the absolutely scintillating 2013. Masculine and brooding, this exceptional Merlot wine has 6% Cabernet Franc blended in. Possessing an ultra deep core, the wine was sourced from the Loess and Mill Creek Upland vineyards and then was aged 15 months in new and once used French oak prior to bottling. The wine opens with aromas of milk chocolate, black cherry, wild blackberry and roasted figs. The wine has deep flavors of black cherry, milk chocolate, blackberry cobbler, anise, crème de cassis, coffee grounds and hints of wintergreen. This can benefit from at least another year in the cellar, as the fruit needs a bit more time to fully integrate. Drink 2017-2032- 95
2013 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2013 Leonetti Cabernet is another stunning wine from this estate. Tightly wound and extremely firm at this juncture, the Cabernet is a blend of Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek Upland, Serra Pedace and Leonetti Old Block vineyards. The wine was aged 22 months in new and used French oak prior to bottling. Superstar winemaker Chris Figgins has crafted a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec. Possessing an ultra deep core, this wine opens with aromatics of roasted figs, black cherry, toffee, black tea and blackberry jam. There are flavors of black cherry, blackberry jam, blueberry compote, black tea, and crème de cassis. Moderately tannic, this massive wine needs at least two years to develop. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2013 Leonetti Cellar ‘Reserve’ Red Wine- The 2013 'Reserve' Red Wine is the most exceptional bottling in this impressive range from Leonetti in this vintage. This blend of 81% Cabernet with 11% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot, which spent 22 months in new and used French oak prior to bottling. The wine has a massive, deep core and possesses some absolutely intoxicating aromatics. This incredible wine begins with aromas of crème de cassis, anise, dark chocolate and black cherries with black olive. The flavors of black cherries, black olive, black tea, mocha and blueberry pie continue to persist on the palate where it offers an absolutely exceptional mouthfeel and texture. Moderately tannic at this time, try to give this impossible to resist wine at least two more years in the bottle to fully develop. A spectacular effort from head winemaker Chris Figgins in crafting this scintillating new release wine. Drink 2018-2037- 97