Merlot (1999)

About this wine

The 1999 Leonetti Merlot from Walla Walla Valley is a deeply colored wine with a brooding nose of dust, mint, bay leaf, and black fruits. On the palate, it offers rich flavors of black cherries, plums, and berries, complemented by notes of black pepper, anise, and roasted nuts. The wine's integrated oak imparts subtle vanilla and cedar nuances, adding depth to its profile. With excellent acid balance typical of the vintage, it concludes with a long, harmonious finish. This vintage is reflective of the 'miracle vintage' of 1999, which began cool but turned into a stellar year, resulting in a Merlot that showcases both richness and balance.

About the grape

Merlot, a grape variety originating from Bordeaux, France, is known for its soft texture and ripe fruit flavors. In the Walla Walla Valley, Washington, Leonetti Cellar has been a pioneer in cultivating Merlot since the late 1970s. They focus on cooler sites with heavier soils, which help the grapes develop intense fruit concentration and silky tannins. The 1999 Leonetti Merlot was aged for 15 months in a mix of new French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels, contributing to its complexity.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Leonetti Cellar, established in 1977, was the first commercial winery in Walla Walla Valley, marking the beginning of the region's modern wine industry.
• 🍷 The 1999 Leonetti Merlot is known for its dense, tannic structure with flavors of black cherries, spices, and roasted nuts, showcasing the winery's signature style.
• 🏆 Leonetti's 1978 Cabernet Sauvignon gained national acclaim when it was named the best in the nation in 1982, bringing attention to Washington's red wines.
• 🌄 The Walla Walla Valley AVA, established in 1984, is renowned for its unique terroir, contributing to the distinctive character of wines like Leonetti's Merlot.
• 🍇 Merlot, the grape variety used in this wine, is known for its soft, velvety texture and flavors of plum and blackberry, making it a popular choice among red wine enthusiasts.

Palate profile

Producer

Leonetti Cellar, established in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins, holds the distinction of being Walla Walla Valley's first commercial winery. The winery's inaugural 1978 Cabernet Sauvignon garnered national acclaim when it was named the best in the nation by Wine & Spirits Magazine, propelling Washington's red wines into the spotlight. Rooted in family heritage, the winery is named after Gary's Italian immigrant grandparents, Francesco and Rosa Leonetti, who settled in Walla Walla in the early 20th century. Today, Leonetti Cellar remains a family-run operation, with their son, Chris Figgins, serving as President and Director of Winemaking, continuing the legacy of producing world-class wines.