1988 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Washington

Community Tasting Notes (5) Avg Score: 89 points

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  4/9/2021 - GrapeScott wrote: 94 Points

  Well to say that this overdelivered would be an understatement. A unicorn wine that I purchased at auction for a song mostly out of academic curiosity. I've had my share of '70s and '80s CA cabs but never anything from WA from that era. Immediately upon opening I was struck by the effusive, distinctive nose. Rustic, with shoe leather, bell pepper, brambly fruit and wild berries. Reminds me of St Estephe, and it would be really interesting to put this up against an '88 Cos in a blind tasting (I have had this wine numerous times, and as much as I love it, this Leonetti is the better wine). Surprisingly youthful, with plenty of tannin and acidity, and a lively old world fruit profile. Damn this was good, and too bad it was my only bottle.

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  6/20/2017 - Verb Likes this wine: 92 Points

  I had forgotten about this bottle until I had my Cellar Tracker updated - I was prepared to ditch it, but then was pleasantly surprised with how drinkable it was - the cork was firm but required Ah So extraction - dark red with brick rim - nose initially simple old cabernet fruit, but after 60 min evolved with some lovely complex cigar box aromas - mouth was somewhat thin up front, but a full bodied round middle - great balance of residual fruit, tannins and acidity - decent finish but a little short - for those who like New World powerhouses, this will disappoint - but for those who like mature elegant wines, this shows what a well-made Washington State cabernet can evolve into after 29 years - it held up to a lamb curry nicely without overpowering the dish (which I could not say for Screaming Eagle!)

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  5/29/2015 - PhN wrote: 92 Points

  Delicious last bottle. The cork was soft and hard to remove, but the wine had a wonderful aroma and opened nicely in about 90 minutes. Fantastic with a spicy lamb chop, Brooklyn smoked Salmon, raspberry and chocolate. Saturday morning went very well with a chocolate donut. At dinner the characteristic fruit and soft tannins were evident. By the next morning vanilla, pepper, clove. Wonderful wine but drink up.

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  2/10/2013 - PhN Likes this wine: 89 Points

  Cork leaked. Fill good. On opening no nose very little flavor. Within 30 minutes wine recovered. I would like to hear about a tasting from a bottle without a failed cork. This bottle improved so fast I have hopes. My bottle was clearly in better shape than the one B DUB reported on. Good Washington Cab flavor, fruit, balanced tannins and held up well to a sweet and sour marinade and pork roast. Was delicious with chocolate for desert.

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  3/9/2011 - B Dub wrote: 80 Points

  This vintage of Leonetti is well past it's prime and in a state of decline. Tasted and decanted as usual. The cork was more than half way saturated with moderate sediment in the bottle. Medium ruby red in color with a noticable brown hue. The wine had some funky smells of age/decline and a tart taste. Too bad, but it happens to the best of them.

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