2010 Leonetti Reserve Red Wine Walla Walla

Very dark wine. Compared to the beautiful 2010 Cabernet, this has an even more floral dominated and very ethereal aromatic nose. Whiffs of raspberries, black berries, ripe black Bing cherries – reminiscent of a stove top reduction of fruit cheesecake topping. Incredible purity of fruit. Wine just makes me smile when it hits the palate as it is so loaded with glycerin and a gentle power. Fruit is SO present, yet SO restrained. Ripe and lovely. All wound up in a perfectly balanced package of fruit, acid, tannin, plushness, power and length. 20 years from now I would not be surprised if I looked back at this wine as the finest achievement of my career due to its sheer longevity of drinking pleasure.

(100 Points) Even better than the straight Cabernet Sauvignon, with additional richness and texture, yet without any added weight or heaviness, the perfect 2010 Reserve is comprised of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 9% Malbec that spent 22 months in new and used French oak. Inky purple in color and gorgeously rich and pure, it slowly gives up notions of smoked black currants, espresso, liquid flower, licorice and graphite that flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, plush and seamless 2010 that is perfectly balanced, has no hard edges and an incredible finish. It’s a monumental bottle of wine that will drink well at an early age, yet age effortlessly for two decades or more. Drink now-2030.

Located in Walla Walla, made by Chris Figgins and a benchmark estate, Leonetti Cellars produces seriously rich efforts that have a perfect blend of power and finesse, with gorgeously managed tannin, seamless textures and awesome purity. While the 2010s here are some of the greatest wines of the vintage, the 2011s are more fresh, up-front and will be approachable at an earlier stage. Wine Advocate #207, Jun 2013