by Jenise » Sun Mar 07, 2021 1:46 pm
Leonetti wines (cabernet, merlot and sangiovese) were really the first WA wineries period and definitely the first to gain recognition outside of the state. I wasn't here then but deservedly so based on the wines I've tasted. The founder/winemaker was Gary Figgins. His son Chris has gone into the business with his own vineyards and label, simply called Figgins. Aiming at the higher end of the market (around $100/bottle) the estate blend is cabernet, merlot and PV (I think). A friend shared a bottle a few years ago and no way was it ready to drink. We opened this with her on Friday to check the progress:
2014 Figgins Estate Red Wine Walla Walla Valley Red Bordeaux Blend
Following a two-hour decant, showed juicy blackberry and cassis with underlying cocoa and charcoal notes. Dense flavor and texture, in fact a bit rustic. Some sediment (long narrow strips, very weird) so decanting essential. Very good now but the point where everything integrates is still further down the road. Kudos to Chris Figgins for making a complex WA cab blend that doesn't just reward but requires aging.
My wine shopping and I have never had a problem. Just a perpetual race between the bankruptcy court and Hell.--Rogov