Leonetti Walla Walla Valley Reserve 2017

The 2017 Reserve is similar in color (it might be even inkier at the rim) and is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 22 months in a mix of 75% new and 25% once-used French oak barrels. It offers sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, smoke tobacco, and perfectly integrated oak. These all flow to a ripe, powerful, yet seamless and incredibly elegant wine that has nothing out of place, building tannins, awesome purity of fruit, and a massive finish. Reminding me of the 2010, yet made in a more elegant style, this magical wine is drinkable today but will benefit for 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades. Hats off to Chris Figgins for another awe-inspiring wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon makes up
58% of this wine, followed by an impressive 32%
Petit Verdot and 10% Malbec. The aromas pull you
into the glass, with notes of dark cherry, coffee,
flower, plum, graphite and bittersweet chocolate,
showing a pleasing sense of complexity. The
flavors are supple, textured and richly flavorful.
Everything is in perfect proportion, with spot-on
balance. It drinks beautifully now, with an open
texture, but has the acid and tannin structure for
the long haul. Best from 2030–2037. —S.S.
abv: 14.7%

Grace meets a dynamic structure, with black cherry, allspice and licorice flavors that take on polish and richness
toward medium-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030.—