2015 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

The 2015 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon opens in the glass with a lovely bouquet of crushed blackcurrants, dark plums, mocha and a subtle framing of expensive new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and richly tannic, with good energy to its crunchy core of nicely concentrated fruit and a youthfully chewy, fine-grained finish. The tannic fist of the vintage does make itself felt, but by no means as assertively as in the 2015 Sangiovese. So, while this is never going to be the most elegant vintage of the Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon, it should reward 2 or 3 years in the cellar and drink well for a decade thereafter.

The classic 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that spent 22 months in new, once-used and neutral oak. Its purple/blue color is followed by fabulous notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil, tobacco, and graphite. Deep, rich, and opulent, with a sexy, full-bodied, incredibly pure style, it's already impossible to resist but is going to keep for two decades. This was another terrific lineup from winemaker Chris Figgins, who never seems to miss a step. Both of his Cabernet Sauvignon releases are brilliant wines that check-in near the top of the vintage, but readers also shouldn’t miss his straight Merlot and Sangiovese.

The blackcurrant and blueberry aromas are impressive with hints of mint. Full-bodied, yet tight and composed with plenty of tight, ripe tannins and a flavorful finish.