Leonetti Cellar

Walla Walla Valley Merlot

9.2289 ratings
9.171 pro ratings
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Austin Baird

Very tart raspberry, light baking spice and herb, applewood. Should be great in the next few years!

Very tart raspberry, light baking spice and herb, applewood. Should be great in the next few years!

Aug 6th, 2022
Dr. Owen Bargreen

This outstanding 100% Merlot was largely sourced from the Loess Vineyard (66%) with smaller portions from the Mill Creek Upland and their 40-year-old original block at the Leonetti winery. Needing a two hour decant to fully open, the 2018 Leonetti Merlot slowly unveils layers of toasty oak that are woven together with black cherry cordial, sagebrush and milk chocolate tones that all come together in the glass. The silky texture truly impresses, as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Cocoa powder dusted red cherries greet you, while flavors of underbrush, damp earth and espresso bean all enliven the senses. A complete wine, the 2018 Leonetti Cellar Merlot will enjoy a long life in the cellar. Try to resist this stunning new wine for at least another two years. Drink 2022-2040- 95

This outstanding 100% Merlot was largely sourced from the Loess Vineyard (66%) with smaller portions from the Mill Creek Upland and their 40-year-old original block at the Leonetti winery. Needing a two hour decant to fully open, the 2018 Leonetti Merlot slowly unveils layers of toasty oak that are woven together with black cherry cordial, sagebrush and milk chocolate tones that all come together in the glass. The silky texture truly impresses, as the wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Cocoa powder dusted red cherries greet you, while flavors of underbrush, damp earth and espresso bean all enliven the senses. A complete wine, the 2018 Leonetti Cellar Merlot will enjoy a long life in the cellar. Try to resist this stunning new wine for at least another two years. Drink 2022-2040- 95

Apr 14th, 2020
Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.6

Still kicking!

Still kicking!

Feb 23rd, 2018
Sarah Milsow-Guenther

Lovely dark nose. Let this one sit for awhile, it gets better and better. Almost tasting chocolate notes on this now. Nice wine.

Lovely dark nose. Let this one sit for awhile, it gets better and better. Almost tasting chocolate notes on this now. Nice wine.

1 person found it helpfulSep 20th, 2019
Dr. Owen Bargreen

The 2009 Leonetti Merlot (WWB, 95) shows an insanely good texture and ripe mouthfeel. Decadent now, the wine unveils layered chocolate and black fruit flavors with a kiss of American oak. This will continue to cellar marveloulsy for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 95

The 2009 Leonetti Merlot (WWB, 95) shows an insanely good texture and ripe mouthfeel. Decadent now, the wine unveils layered chocolate and black fruit flavors with a kiss of American oak. This will continue to cellar marveloulsy for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 95

1 person found it helpfulFeb 18th, 2019
Tracy Hall

Nice, if you like American oak (a couple people really liked this). The French oak lovers, not so much.

Nice, if you like American oak (a couple people really liked this). The French oak lovers, not so much.

1 person found it helpfulMay 6th, 2018
Doug Smith

Seamless. Whoa.

Seamless. Whoa.

1 person found it helpfulJan 1st, 2016
Kirsten Alder

Glad this was in the cellar at the #homeranch Perfect pairings (beef, duck, sole) at our wine dinner tonight. Can't wait for tomorrow's dinner #wine #wallawalla #wawine #leonettiwine #merlot

Glad this was in the cellar at the #homeranch Perfect pairings (beef, duck, sole) at our wine dinner tonight. Can't wait for tomorrow's dinner #wine #wallawalla #wawine #leonettiwine #merlot

1 person found it helpfulFeb 7th, 2015
Rajat Parr

Founder Sandhi Wines & Domaine de la Côte, Evening Lands Vineyards, Seven Springs & Maison l'Oree

9.6

Rajat had this 10 years ago

Rajat had this 10 years ago

1 person found it helpfulJun 20th, 2014
Bryce Bannatyne

New Jersey Sales Representative Martin Scott Wines, Ltd

9.4

1994. Celebrating :)

1994. Celebrating :)

Dec 20th, 2016