2008 Leonetti Merlot Washington State
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Merlot (100%) spent 15 months in a mix of new and used French oak. It exhibits an aromatic array of smoke, spice box, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Elegant on the palate with excellent volume, concentrated, spicy flavors, and a hint of minerality, it has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2022 if not longer. Tel. (509) 525-1428; www.leonetticellar.com