Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2016

98 points James Suckling: "This regal wine really sets the tone for delivering poise, balance and elegance. Such distinctive cabernet redcurrants, cassis and red cherries, framed in cedary oak and tobacco. The palate is cast in noble tannins that deliver elegance and length. Deeply flavorful blackcurrants and dark cherries with chocolate that’s laced into the finish. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 13% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% merlot. Drink for the next decade and then some. (Apr 2019)"

98 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sensational, full-bodied, layered wine that's overflowing with notions of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and hints of camphor. Seamless, elegant, and layered, yet also powerful, it rates with the top wines of the vintage. Readers should snatch this beauty up. Drink 2021-2041 (Apr 2019)"

96 points Owen Bargreen (International Wine Report): "The 2016 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon is a simply irresistible wine made by winemaker Chris Figgins, which was sourced from the Mill Creek Upland, Loess, Seven Hills, Serra Pedache and Holly Roller vineyards. This is a gorgeous blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Showing off its brooding core, this Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromatics of dark currants, sagebrush, red bell pepper, Turkish coffee, and dark chocolate shavings. The palate shows incredible richness with a silky mouthfeel that gives way to flavors of blackberry cobbler, crème de cassis, anise, graphite and exotic spices and toasty oak that all mingle brilliantly on the palate. The 2016 is an incredibally age-worthy wine, so readers should plan on allowing this beautiful wine at least a two hour decant if approaching it in its early years. A total knockout from Leonetti Cellar, this is truly one of the best of its kind in Washington. Drink 2020-2045 (May 2019)"

95 points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Merlot, the 2016 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon offers up a focus of fruit on the nose that is rarely seen in wine, along with a bold, plush, vibrant core of fruit that exudes power and a velvety roundness. Dark red, black and even hints of blue fruit are found in the mouth, with a rich and vibrant core that gives way to chewy tannins. With a bold spiciness and layers of oak, the bold, full-bodied wine lingers with intensity and a long, thought-provoking, complex finish that is focused and delivers pleasure as the wine puts a smile on my face. Only 2,900 cases were made, and they are worth every penny! Drink 2019-2040 (Dec 2019)"

94+ points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): "Bright, dark red. Fruit-driven aromas of redcurrant, cranberry and spicy oak. Concentrated and suave on the palate, with tangy flavors of raspberry and cassis complicated by savory minerality and sexy Indian spices and perfumed by a floral note. Finishes ripely tannic and gripping, with outstanding rising length and a piquant cumin note. A wonderfully vibrant Cabernet with a long life ahead of it. Drink 2023-2036 (Dec 2019)"