2018 Leonetti Cellar Serra Pedace Vineyard Aglianico Walla Walla Valley

(98 Points) The Serra Pedace vineyard is a high-elevation site that was named after ancestors Frank and Rose Leonetti’s hometown in Calabria, Italy. The 2018 offers anise, tar and black licorice notes combined with suggestions of black cherry syrup on the nose. The palate shows good freshness and serious flavor density. crème de cassis and crème de violette flavors meld well with minerals, sweet pipe tobacco, creosote and shades of espresso grounds. This is a big, generous, weighty Cabernet Sauvignon, yet the focus and precision in the winemaking are really impressive. This is drinking beautifully even in its youth, but try to resist for at least a few more years if you can. (OB)  Review Date: 10/2021, Vinous