2018 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Another blockbuster effort by Leonetti, their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (81%) with a touch of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec added. Aromatically quite hedonistic, this offers instant gratification with suggestions of loganberry cordial, garrigue, wintergreen, anise and scorched earth accents that bring you back to the glass. Once in the mouth this shows plenty of ripe dark fruits and solid flavor density with menthol accents and firm tannins framing everything brilliantly. The long finish adds to the enjoyment as this sinfully good and finesse-driven Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well for another two decades to come. Try to resist this beauty for several more years. (OB)
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Made with the addition of 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby core with a magenta rim and bursts with aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry essence and plum compote. Full-bodied, the palate offers firm tannins that sway with mineral tension and juicy robustness. Seductive floral tones offer a lasting impression across the long-lingering and juicy finish, leaving behind flavors of bitter dark chocolates and crème de cassis. Almost 35,000 bottles were filled after resting 22 months in new and used French oak barrels.
Blackberry, blackcurrant, tobacco leaf, dried herb, walnut and mocha on the nose. Some roasted-coffee notes. Itâs full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Flavorful with fresh acidity and a supple texture. Delicious now, but better from 2022.
I loved the base 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. This will stand up to any Bordeaux blend coming out of Washington today. A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, it offers a medium to full-bodied, incredibly seamless, balanced style carrying lots of cassis and darker currant fruit as well as notes of tobacco, bouquet garni, graphite, and scorched earth. It closes down relatively quickly with air and is a serious, structured, yet incredibly promising Cabernet. Hide bottles for 5-6 years and enjoy over the following two decades.