2006 Leonetti Merlot Columbia Valley
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Tasting notes
Good bright red-ruby. Candied red fruits, pomegranate and spices on the nose. Then sweet, silky and generous, with lovely concentration and sappiness to the dark berry and brown spice flavors. A very smooth, bright fruit bomb of a merlot, finishing with sweet flavors of cassis, black cherry and pomegranate. Aged in 65% new oak, but the American oak component was limited to used barrels. I find this more pliant at the same age than the 2005 release. For his part, Chris Figgins describes the 2005 merlot as big, but noted that he picked cabernet sauvignon a full degree Brix lower than usual in 2005, as the fruit got phenolically ripe early.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Merlot has 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenere, and 4% Petit Verdot in the blend. It was aged in a mix of new and used barrels for 15 months. It is dark ruby/purple-colored with aromas of cedar, earth notes, clove, cinnamon, red currants, and black currants. This leads to an elegant wine with ripe, savory flavors, good depth, and a lengthy, pure finish. It will evolve for 3-4 years and be at its best from 2012 to 2020. Founded in 1978 by Gary Figgins, Leonetti Cellar remains a benchmark Washington winery. Shortly the winery will be in a position to achieve its goal of producing all of its wines from estate-grown Walla Walla vineyards. Gary’s son Chris has taken over much of the day-to-day operation of the winery and in particular the viticultural component. Tel. (509) 525-1428; www.leonetticellar.com