Leonetti Merlot 2008

"This is 100% varietal, from the Loess, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, and Mill Creek Upland vineyards. A deep, intense take on Merlot, it’s so dark and concentrated that it dances on the )edge of bitterness, but in a style reminiscent of the finest Italian Merlots, that use that flavor to define and elucidate a dark and potent wine. In the mouth it fills out with luscious cherry and plum and blackberry fruit, baking chocolate, coconut and nougat. Yet it remains sleek and stylish, with a strong licorice note."

96 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"Good bright red. Smoky red fruits and musky wilder notes of tobacco and tea leaf on the nose. At once silky and precise; shapely, almost voluptuous, but without any undue weight. Builds impressively on the back end, finishing with very suave, sweet tannins and lingering red fruits. Incidentally, Chris Figgins describes his 2008 reds as more generous than his 2007s, but says the earlier vintage has a more classic structure and balance and may age longer. "But 2005 is my favorite ever," he adds."

92 Points

International Wine Cellar

"This beautifully perfumed merlot delivers classic Walla Walla sents of savory sundried tomato and red plum. On the palate the wine feels youthful in its concentration-it's a long way from optimal expression, but what's ther indicates a long life and plenty of complexity gowing forward. For the cellar."

92 Points

Wine & Spirits