Leonetti Cellar

Columbia Valley Merlot

9.2156 ratings
9.134 pro ratings
Columbia 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
Dr. Owen Bargreen

This wine has rounded out since being released in 2008. The grapes were chosen from the Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek, Upland. Pepper Bridge, as well as Bacchus-Dionysus and Wallula, both located in the Columbia Valley. It is a blend of 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenere and 4% Petit Verdot, having the highest percentage of Carmenere that I have seen for this wine. This vintage was characterized by an early bud break and a hot summer which led to ripe fruit. The wine opens with aromas of milk chocolate, Turkish coffee, sagebrush and black cherry. This leads to rich flavors of black cherry, anise, sage, blackberry and mocha. There is a silky mouthfeel and wonderful viscosity, despite the wine being nearly 10 years old. This is drinking beautifully, one of the best of its kind. 2,723 cases of this delicious wine made. Drink 2019-2035- 96

This wine has rounded out since being released in 2008. The grapes were chosen from the Seven Hills, Loess, Mill Creek, Upland. Pepper Bridge, as well as Bacchus-Dionysus and Wallula, both located in the Columbia Valley. It is a blend of 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenere and 4% Petit Verdot, having the highest percentage of Carmenere that I have seen for this wine. This vintage was characterized by an early bud break and a hot summer which led to ripe fruit. The wine opens with aromas of milk chocolate, Turkish coffee, sagebrush and black cherry. This leads to rich flavors of black cherry, anise, sage, blackberry and mocha. There is a silky mouthfeel and wonderful viscosity, despite the wine being nearly 10 years old. This is drinking beautifully, one of the best of its kind. 2,723 cases of this delicious wine made. Drink 2019-2035- 96

Feb 19th, 2019
Matt Perlman

Needed some decanter time. Chocolate cherries, prunes, baking spice, vanilla, violets. Port-like. Pretty and rich

Needed some decanter time. Chocolate cherries, prunes, baking spice, vanilla, violets. Port-like. Pretty and rich

Jan 27th, 2019
Beau Carson

Love when I find something special for cheap!!! Fig, prune, and dark chocolate with some wet forest floor.

Love when I find something special for cheap!!! Fig, prune, and dark chocolate with some wet forest floor.

Dec 4th, 2017
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Gorgeous cherry aromatics, sweet soils, soft baking spices, vanilla, coffee grounds, soft liqueur notes and red roses & violets. On the palate, ripe gorgeous blackberries, dark cherries, plum notes, black raspberries, raspberries, strawberries, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, love the minerality, fresh acidity and a beautiful cherry finish. This will get better with 7-10 years in the bottle but it's really hard not to enjoy now. Merlot at its best! Photos of; Gary and Nancy Figgins home, stainless cellar fermenting tanks, branded logo barrel, and Amy Figgins hosting our tasting in their tasting room. Thanks to Amy and her cousin Jason (Viticulturist) for sharing all your time & knowledge.

Gorgeous cherry aromatics, sweet soils, soft baking spices, vanilla, coffee grounds, soft liqueur notes and red roses & violets. On the palate, ripe gorgeous blackberries, dark cherries, plum notes, black raspberries, raspberries, strawberries, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, love the minerality, fresh acidity and a beautiful cherry finish. This will get better with 7-10 years in the bottle but it's really hard not to enjoy now. Merlot at its best! Photos of; Gary and Nancy Figgins home, stainless cellar fermenting tanks, branded logo barrel, and Amy Figgins hosting our tasting in their tasting room. Thanks to Amy and her cousin Jason (Viticulturist) for sharing all your time & knowledge.

Aug 13th, 2017
Michael Descamps

Leonetti rarely disappoints. Dark chocolate sauce, coffee grounds, blueberry, and leather.

Leonetti rarely disappoints. Dark chocolate sauce, coffee grounds, blueberry, and leather.

1 person found it helpfulApr 26th, 2015
Matthew Christ

It's my leonetti merlot vertical on delectable. Tomorrow night '06. Cheers aye!

It's my leonetti merlot vertical on delectable. Tomorrow night '06. Cheers aye!

1 person found it helpfulFeb 7th, 2014
Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

8.5

Lovely Merlot. Big, rich, deep fruit. Excellent palate and moderately long finish. Well made wine.

Lovely Merlot. Big, rich, deep fruit. Excellent palate and moderately long finish. Well made wine.

1 person found it helpfulOct 14th, 2013
dk bowman

Anyone that bags on US Merlot needs to try Leonetti. Been killing it for years.

Anyone that bags on US Merlot needs to try Leonetti. Been killing it for years.

1 person found it helpfulMay 18th, 2013
Grant Simpson

2002 vintage showing its age. Fruit still present, medicinal cherry cough syrup w dark choc, and earth.

2002 vintage showing its age. Fruit still present, medicinal cherry cough syrup w dark choc, and earth.

Jul 25th, 2016
Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

9.2

Still showing consistently solid depth

Still showing consistently solid depth

Jun 10th, 2016