2017 Leonetti Merlot Walla Walla Valley
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Tasting notes
Bright, dark red. Inviting aromas of raspberry, cherry and licorice, plus a whiff of milk chocolate. Sappy, highly perfumed flavors of crushed raspberry, spices, licorice and herbs. This tightly wound Merlot finishes firmly tannic, with an element of medicinal reserve that calls for some patience. Chris Figgins bottles and releases this wine earlier than his Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, but this '17 has the perfume and inner-mouth tension to reward aging. It should be quite long-lived by the standards of Washington Merlot. (mostly from Loess vineyard; 45% new oak)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Mostly Merlot with 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Walla Walla Merlot begins with a black-fruited nose but quickly moves to express red fruit on the palate. The wine is precise, with hints of pencil shavings and juicy plum, while the Cabernet expression lifts the back end with subtle spices. Medium to full-bodied, the wine ends with a long-lingering finish that delivers pleasure and complexity. This is a tasty and gorgeous Merlot, of which there were 1,866 cases made.
Notes of iodine and some smoky nuances, as well as sappy, foresty freshness to the red plums and darker berries. The palate has rich tannins and dark-plum flavors pervade the assertive finish. A blend of 94% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2023.
The only 2017 I was able to taste from this terrific estate, the 2017 Merlot reveals a saturated purple color as well as a terrific perfume of black cherries, cassis, toasty oak, and graphite. It's medium to full-bodied, plump, and rounded, with ample tannins as well as purity of fruit. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age but is a beautiful, outstanding, incredibly promising Merlot. The blend is 94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and it spent 15 months in 60% new French oak.