2010 Leonetti Cellar Merlot
Merlot - 750ML
2010 Leonetti Cellar Merlot
  • WE 95
  • WA 93
  • WS 93
  • IWC 91

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WE 95
Wine Enthusiast, September 2012
A classic take on Merlot-this is 100% varietal and was aged for 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and botti. The flavors move through strawberry raspberry and Bing cherry with great breadth of flavor and... A classic take on Merlot-this is 100% varietal and was aged for 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and botti. The flavors move through strawberry raspberry and Bing cherry with great breadth of flavor and texture throughout. The midpalate is concentrated and full with a fine lingering superclean finish.
WA 93
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2012
The Leonetti 2010 Merlot - which unlike any preceding vintage save for 2000 and 2008 was blended with no other variety - offers a perfect validation of Chris Figgins's intention to render a serious self-standing wine from... The Leonetti 2010 Merlot - which unlike any preceding vintage save for 2000 and 2008 was blended with no other variety - offers a perfect validation of Chris Figgins's intention to render a serious self-standing wine from this grape capable of starring in Washington if given the right sufficiently clay-rich and thermally temperate sort of site. Fresh dark cherry and purple plum already announced in the nose take on a delightful primary juiciness and invigoratingly tart fruit skin edge on a fine-grained palate. This is so exuberantly juicy and saliva-stimulating in its long lip-smacking finish - a feature no doubt enhanced by bottling after only 14 months in barrique and justifying the release of Leonetti Merlots a year ahead of their other wines - that you can't possibly take just one sip. Piquant fruit pit crushed stone and peat add interest and stimulation to an energetic yet lusciously ripe and richly-textured effort whose longevity will I predict surprise most wine lovers (perhaps even its authors?) and extend for more than a dozen years. The intended Merlot self-sufficiency on exhibit here is furthered by Figgins' increasing reliance on grapes from their relatively cool long-ripening Mill Creek Upland Vineyard with fruit from Seven Hills or Loess more apt to end up being selectively blended into their other reds or sold off. -David Schildknecht
WS 93
Wine Spectator, October 2012
Shows real presence and depth offering a vibrant package of red berry cherry and black currant with hints of licorice and herbs as the finish lingers impressively. Cellaring should soften the raw feel and make this... Shows real presence and depth offering a vibrant package of red berry cherry and black currant with hints of licorice and herbs as the finish lingers impressively. Cellaring should soften the raw feel and make this something special. Best from 2015 through 2020. -HS
IWC 91
Stephen Tanzer's IWC, December 2012
Bright ruby-red. Blackberry and licorice on the nose. Densely packed and vibrant but backward with terrific cut and penetration to the black fruit and licorice flavors. Finishes with firm tannins and excellent black... Bright ruby-red. Blackberry and licorice on the nose. Densely packed and vibrant but backward with terrific cut and penetration to the black fruit and licorice flavors. Finishes with firm tannins and excellent black fruit persistence. Chris Figgins describes 2010 as "a perfect year like 2005 requiring no acidification." This structured and very promising merlot will need patience and may well merit an even higher rating down the road. 91+
JJB 94
JJ Buckley, April 2012
Very deep nearly opaque core with a scarlet rim. Floral notes dominate the nose with black licorice lavender wet rock violet blackberry and complex earth aromas. The palate is smooth and expansive with bright balanced... Very deep nearly opaque core with a scarlet rim. Floral notes dominate the nose with black licorice lavender wet rock violet blackberry and complex earth aromas. The palate is smooth and expansive with bright balanced acidity and a round mouthfeel. The long finish confirms this beauty as clearly one of the best domestic merlots around. Drink 2014-2020.
Color & Type Red
Varietal Merlot
Country USA
Region Washington
Sub-region Columbia Valley
Vintage 2010
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