2005 Leonetti Walla Walla Reserve
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Tasting notes
Dusty florals and herbal tones complement dried cherries and mint as the 2005 Red Wine Reserve slowly awakens in the glass. This is soft and enveloping, with a gorgeous core of acidity that propels its red fruits and nuances of autumnal spice. Citrus hints add further depth. It lingers incredibly long with fine-grained tannins that pull at the senses as nuances of licorice and tart wild berries fade. The 2005 is still maturing and has a very bright future. The 2005 was sourced entirely from the Mill Creek upland vineyard.
Critic scores
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(63% cabernet sauvignon, 20% petit verdot and 17% merlot, all from the Figgins family's Upland Vineyard, which climbs to an altitude of 1,600 feet) Bright ruby-red. Deep, multidimensional aromas of cassis, licorice, violet, bitter chocolate and black pepper. Wonderfully sweet and deep on the palate, but with superb ripe acidity and a floral element giving lift and definition to the wine's flavors. The wine's uncanny mouth-saturating concentration and sweetness thoroughly hides its wine's 15% alcohol. Still a baby today but built for a long evolution in bottle. The pH here is 3.65, whereas the '06 cabernets are more like 3.8. From a crop level of about 2.2 tons per acre, according to Chris Figgins.
The 2005 Reserve is made up of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, and 17% Merlot. It was aged in new French barriques and a large oval botti for 22 months. Deep purple-colored, the wine presents aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, scorched earth, black currant, plum, and blackberry liqueur. The wine makes a powerful entry onto the palate with great concentration, serious depth, and opulence. The flavors reveal spicy, savory black fruits with a note of chocolate in the background. Long and complex, this superb Reserve is another tour de force for Leonetti Cellar. Give it 5-7 years in the cellar and drink it from 2015 to 2030. Founded in 1978 by Gary Figgins, Leonetti Cellar remains a benchmark Washington winery. Shortly the winery will be in a position to achieve its goal of producing all of its wines from estate-grown Walla Walla vineyards. Gary’s son Chris has taken over much of the day-to-day operation of the winery and in particular the viticultural component. Tel. (509) 525-1428; www.leonetticellar.com