Leonetti - Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2011

Add to Wish List

Beautiful, deep ruby color. 2011 was the coolest vintage in the Walla Walla Valley in 20 years. It was a winemakers vintage and one that will forever separate the "men from the boys." Everything had to be executed to perfection in the vineyard, a feat in which we managed to accomplish.Merlot, being the earliest variety we have to ripen, was truly at home in this vintage and produced a wine I can aptly describe as resembling the finest Right Bank Claret from Bordeaux. Such is its leaness, levity, and beauty. The nose is just loaded with pure red and blue berries, along with floral notes. Fantastic acid punctuates the lovely finish.

Leonetti Description

Exclusive production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have been the hallmark of Gary Figgins' Leonetti Cellar winery in the suburbs of Walla Walla. Grapes from his own vineyard and from other nearby properties are used to create these rich and robust varietal wines. The attractive new winery building made of native stone houses barrel storage and fermenting tanks.

Wine Enthusiast: 93 Points

This is 100% varietal Merlot, aged 15 months in new and neutral French oak barrels and botti. It’s tangy, sleek and supple, with a spectrum of fruit from cranberry on through blackberry. Tannins are polished and mouth-coating, with substantial power. The finish brings hints of herbs and black olives. Cellar Selection.

Wine Advocate: 93 Points

Coming from the estate Loess, Seven Hills and Mill Creek Upland vineyards in Walla Walla, the 2011 Merlot is a superb, plush and yet gorgeously elegant and detailed effort that boasts knockout aromatics of spring flowers, black cherry, plum, licorice and dusty mineral on the nose. Already complex and approachable, it nevertheless has full-bodied richness on the palate, as well as a supple, mouth-filling texture, juicy acidity and no hard edges. Drink it over the coming decade. Drink now-2023.

Wine Spectator

Firm in texture, showing pepper and licorice flavors at first, followed by plum and currant fruit that fills in the taut frame. Needs time to soften and unfurl.