2008 Leonetti Cellar Merlot Walla Walla Valley

 This is the first time Leonetti Cellar’s Merlot has been 100% variety since the 2000 vintage, a reflection of winemaker Chris Figgins’ confidence in the fruit from this vintage. A complex nose with silky oak aromas mixed with bittersweet chocolate, earth, black licorice, and red and black fruit. Tightly wound at present on the palate with abundant cherry fruit and lithe tannins. Give two to three years. 100% Merlot. Loess, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, and Mill Creek Upland vineyards. Aged 15 months in new and used French oak.