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

The 2005 Leonetti Reserve is all estate vineyard fruit—63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot. It is saturated and dense. The fruit is dark, smoky, herbal, tight and loaded with licorice, tea leaf, black olive, hints of tar and graphite. Tannins are in perfect proportion, polished and ripe, with extra texture and weight. The finish is granular and detailed, but delicious accent flavors of almond candy and nougat keep piling into the extraordinary finish. ——P.G.(11/1/2008)—— 97