The 2019 B. Leighton Olsen's Brothers Vineyard Gratitude is a proprietary red blend from the Yakima Valley in Washington's Columbia Valley region. Produced by B. Leighton Wines, this wine combines 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 5% Syrah, aged in neutral barrels. It has an alcohol content of 14.0% and is sealed with a cork closure.
The wine has received high praise from several esteemed reviewers. James Suckling awarded it a score of 93, highlighting its "aromas of ripe red cherry, rose, and ripe raspberry." He noted that the wine is medium-bodied with "bright acidity" and "velvety tannins," adding that it also features "strawberry chocolate with an underlying floral note" and a "peppery" finish. Suckling's review suggests that this wine is versatile and can be enjoyed now or held for future aging.
Owen Bargreen of Vinous gave the wine an even higher score of 94, emphasizing its "gorgeous" aromatic range that includes "salted meats, green olives, and shades of exotic spices." He described the palate as "seamless with a great veil of tension and length," recommending that it can be enjoyed over the next seven to nine years. Bargreen's review underscores the wine's elegance and complexity.
Jeb Dunnuck rated the 2019 Gratitude Blend the highest, with a score of 95. He praised the wine as "a smoking good wine from Leighton," noting its "medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe red and black fruits, peppery herbs, iron, and loamy earth." Dunnuck commended the wine's "fresher, focused, elegant style," highlighting its "ripe tannins," "great mouthfeel," and "beautiful length on the finish." He concluded with high praise, calling it "one thrilling expression of Mourvèdre that will keep for a decade."
Overall, the 2019 B. Leighton Olsen's Brothers Vineyard Gratitude is a highly acclaimed red blend, recognized for its aromatic complexity, balanced acidity, and elegant structure. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed immediately or aged for enhanced depth and character.