2016 Leonetti Sangiovese

The rich, red-fruited 2016 Walla Walla Sangiovese is a more robust style of Sangiovese. The nose wafts with subtle savory tones and complex earthy aromas of forest floor and fallen black raspberries. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine shows a good line of acidity through to the back end, exuding a tart black cherry and mineral core over soft red spices. It ends with thoughtfully balanced tannins, food-friendly acidity and lingering oak tones, which add to the complexity on the finish. Just over 900 cases were made.

This is delivered in such polished style, a signature of Leonetti’s, with cherries and wild herbs that are nicely framed in subtly spicy oak. Some stony nuances, too. The palate has such expansive fruit in a plum and mulberry guise. It holds very fresh and has the noble, long and powdery grape tannins that you usually only find in Brunello, plus abundant fruit. Superb, drink or hold.

Medium ruby-colored, Chris's 2016 Sangiovese Walla Walla Valley (100% Sangiovese aged 22 months in 25% new French oak) has classic notes of dried cherries, old cabinet, baking chocolate, and spice. With good freshness and purity on the palate as well as nicely integrated acidity and fine tannins, this balanced effort will benefit from short-term cellaring and I suspect will keep nicely for 8-10 years.