Leonetti Merlot 2006

Professional Ratings

• 96 Wine Enthusiast
  This bright, aromatic, vivid wine opens with a bowlful of berries and cherries. There is plenty of acid under the ripe fruit, which takes center stage at the moment. The significant addition of Carmenère (from the Seven Hills vineyard) adds black pepper to the engaging mix of flavors. Despite its youth, the flavors persist for a remarkably long finish.
• 92 Wine & Spirits
  Leonetti is justly praised for its Cabernets, but this 2006 serves to remind that Leonetti's Esate Merlot is one of its most consistently satisfying reds. Teh bouquet is heady and rich, with a spiced red berry scent. The flavor is pure red currant with a pleasing pipe tobacco accent. There's oak in the finish, but the wine remains lifted and light, with a texture that's as polished as a stone. For skirt steak.
• 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2006 Merlot has 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenere, and 4% Petit Verdot in the blend. It was aged in a mix of new and used barrels for 15 months. It is dark ruby/purple-colored with aromas of cedar, earth notes, clove, cinnamon, red currants, and black currants. This leads to an elegant wine with ripe, savory flavors, good depth, and a lengthy, pure finish. It will evolve for 3-4 years and be at its best from 2012 to 2020.