A big hit at tonight's wine group dinner at Two Chefs. We follow a double blind format, but no one initially figured out this was 100% merlot from one of Washington State's premier producers. From my notes: Dark color in the glass, Rich tobacco-y nose. Silky and elegant on the palate. Very concentrated, Had a long finish. Chris Figgins said it should hold up well at least until 2028. FWIW, this went perfectly with our fourth course - oxtail ravioli........ Simply put, the 2008 more than held its own against a diverse array of top-notch reds, including a 1945 Ducru Beaucalliou -- an incredible treat (gracias Luis): this is a 77-year-old Bordeaux from one of the vintages of the century that delightfully is still hanging in there, has discernably sweet fruit left, but hardly any tannins. The other two reds also were excellent - a 2004 Clio and a 2002 premier cru red burgundy. Rounding out our night was a 1995 Taylor (before it became Taylor-Fladgate) for the dessert course. (Thanks again, Luis)
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(Leonetti Cellar Merlot Walla Walla Valley) This is the first time Leonetti Cellar’s Merlot has been 100% variety since the 2000 vintage, a reflection of winemaker Chris Figgins’ confidence in the fruit from this vintage. A complex nose with silky oak aromas mixed with bittersweet chocolate, earth, black licorice, and red and black fruit. Tightly wound at present on the palate with abundant cherry fruit and lithe tannins. Give two to three years. 100% Merlot. Loess, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, and Mill Creek Upland vineyards. Aged 15 months in new and used French oak.
NOTE: Some content is property of Decanter and Vinous and Washington Wine Report.
11/6/2023 - ChrisinCowiche wrote: 90 Points
Seemed a bit old, but opened up over an hour to show more stuffing. Good fruit if muted, tannins fully integrated. Time to drink up imo.
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7/13/2023 - Brian Glas Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark berry fruit. Cocoa. Soft tannins. Long smooth finish
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2/19/2023 - jfkwines wrote: 89 Points
Fading. IMHO
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9/27/2022 - mouton45 Likes this wine: 93 Points
A big hit at tonight's wine group dinner at Two Chefs. We follow a double blind format, but no one initially figured out this was 100% merlot from one of Washington State's premier producers. From my notes: Dark color in the glass, Rich tobacco-y nose. Silky and elegant on the palate. Very concentrated, Had a long finish. Chris Figgins said it should hold up well at least until 2028. FWIW, this went perfectly with our fourth course - oxtail ravioli........
Simply put, the 2008 more than held its own against a diverse array of top-notch reds, including a 1945 Ducru Beaucalliou -- an incredible treat (gracias Luis): this is a 77-year-old Bordeaux from one of the vintages of the century that delightfully is still hanging in there, has discernably sweet fruit left, but hardly any tannins. The other two reds also were excellent - a 2004 Clio and a 2002 premier cru red burgundy. Rounding out our night was a 1995 Taylor (before it became Taylor-Fladgate) for the dessert course. (Thanks again, Luis)
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12/7/2021 - jberger_ Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drank after short decant.
On the nose, slight bit of menthol, blue fruits, mocha.
On the palate, moderately weighted fruit with well integrated tannins and acidity. Fruit picked up some weight longer it remained in the glass.
Very nice and in its drinking window, and I suspect it will remain there for 5+ years.
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