Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese 2019

Leonetti Cellar is hands down, the most prestigious estate in Walla Walla, Washington. Founded in 1977 by the Figgins family (whose ancestors were the Leonetti's who established Leonetti Farm in 1906 on the land that would become Leonetti Cellar's first vineyard), today in 2021, Leonetti Cellar is not resting on its laurels. Winemaker/owner Chris Figgins continues to work vigorously to produce the absolute best wines in the valley, working alongside his sister Amy Figgins, and a small crew of dedicated staff.

Back at the turn of the century, the Leonetti farm had an unknown little gem for its time — a south facing hillside of an acre and a half where Chris Figgins' father Gary planted a few hundred cuttings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. Then Gary Figgins proceeded to establish an entire industry for Walla Walla valley out of the back of a ’67 Chevy pickup. Building off the inspiration he gleaned from his grandfather’s bubbling fermentations in the dirt floor basement, the only logical thing to do to honor his family’s roots would be to name the winery Leonetti Cellar. Chris Figgins continues this hopeful vision and tenacity of his great grandparents, grandparents and parents before him. This Sangiovese is in great honor of the history of the Leonetti and Figgins families.

Gary and Nancy Figgins worked with inspiration and passion to have a better and more prosperous life than their ancestors. Today, Chris and Amy consider themselves the lucky benefactors to see firsthand that hard work is the true key to success. Some think that second generation winemakers have it easy. Chris thinks it is much more difficult as he has assimilated his forefather’s spirit of relentless improvement and the seeking of new opportunities. The Leonetti team works tirelessly to continue to improve on a defined “classic” that Chris' parents have created. The current generation seeks new and exciting opportunities to continue the longevity of Leonetti to many generations to come.

The color of the 2019 Leonetti Sangiovese is a gorgeous garnet hue. It has a complex nose of allspice, coffee with caramel, strawberry sorbet, roasted tomatoes, and charcuterie. Very fine-grained tannin structure with a focused palate of dark cherry and cranberry fruit character, and a long, refreshing finish.  Extremely allocated, we were not even able to taste this wine when we visited the estate!