94pts Jeb Dunnuck

All Merlot aged in once-filled and neutral oak, the 2022 Merlot sports a vivid ruby/purple hue as well as solid aromatics of ripe black cherries, cedary herbs, dried flowers, and a kiss of background oak. It's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, elegant mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It will keep from 10-12 years with ease.

93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deeply colored and extracted for a Merlot, the 2022 Walla Walla Merlot displays mocha notes with plum and blackberry compote with soft notions of brown baking spices that sway from the glass with a firm, mineral essence. Full-bodied, the palate is still tight with firm,. gripping tannins that will release with additional years in the cellar yet will remain food-friendly for the next decade. The wine spent 15 months in a mix of new and used French oak and neutral botti. 23,448 bottles were made.

93pts Wine Spectator

A powerfully built red, with muscular tannins framed by black cherry, red currant, pencil shavings and dusky spices as this gathers tension and grip on the finish. Best from 2027 through 2035. 2,989 cases made.

Winemaker Notes

Very dark crimson to the rim of the glass. Explosive nose of baking spices, rising sourdough, honey, plum flower, and ripe plum fruit. Viscous and creamy on the palate, with notes of red currant and fresh herbs. The beautiful structure has full-bodied, fine-grained tannins and a long, luscious, and intense finish.

Blend: 81% cabernet sauvignon 7% petit verdot, 5% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 3% malbec.

Winery Notes

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.