Wine

Item Description

93 points

ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE, AUGUST 2011

The 2009 Merlot displays inviting aromas of balsam wood, earthy minerals, spice box, black currant and blackberry. This sets the stage for a velvety-textured, layered, succulent wine that has impressive volume and length. It will provide prime drinking from 2013 to 2024. I don’t want to be responsible for any family disputes but it appears that Chris Figgins has taken over day-to-day operation of the venerable Leonetti Cellar from his father and winery founder, Gary Figgins.

winemaker's notes:

The 1992 vintage of this wine was ranked #4 on the Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wines of 1994

Merlot 78%, Cabernet Sauvignon 13%, Malbec 5%, Cabernet Franc 3%.

Beautiful dark color. The warm 2009 vintage produced a very fine and generous Merlot. It is already drinking gorgeously. The wine has a stunning bouquet of berries, fresh blooming flowers, cedar shavings, and mocha. On the palate, it is incredibly long, lush, and soft, with pure fruit and melted caramel. This is a truly hedonistic Merlot and a fine example of why I love making this varietal.

alcohol by volume: 14.3%

critical acclaim:

"Though 2009 was a difficult vintage for Washington Merlot, this is a truly luscious wine. It welcomes the taster instantly with massive, generous fruit cloaked in toasty, chewy, mocha and caramel flavors. Tasted over the course of 48 hours, it held up well, developing broad, well-integrated flavors of berries to complement the hedonistic oak. Sure to be a favorite among all the current releases from Leonetti."

94 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"A Merlot with admirable restraint, this shows a lively balance of raspberry and roasted meat flavors, finishing against fine tannins. Has freshness and immediate appeal, but there’s more underneath that cellaring could bring out. Drink now through 2019."

92 Points

Wine Spectator

Item Special Note

I will personally arrange free delivery in Seattle or the Eastside. Alternatively, wine can be mailed within the United States, in which case a $20 shipping charge will be added.  

NOTE:  Wine cannot be mailed from Washington State to the following states:  Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusettes, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont.