2018 Leonetti Cellar Serra Pedace Vineyard Aglianico

Deep Cover: Coolest cult WA deal ever?

Leonetti makes an Aglianico? No. They make THE definitive Aglianico in the US.

Yep, that Leonetti, the one Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate defines as “seriously rich efforts that have a perfect blend of power and finesse, with gorgeously managed tannin, seamless textures, and awesome purity… Kicking off modern-day winemaking in the Walla Walla Valley were Gary and Nancy Figgins with Leonetti Cellar in 1977 as Walla Walla’s first commercial winery. While they paved the way for top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon in the region, Gary Figgins is generally regarded as the founding father of the Walla Walla Valley wine industry.”

And per Jancis Robinson MW, “Aglianico’s high tannins and acidity, and it's evident ability to age, have inspired some to call it the ‘Barolo of the south’. Praise indeed.” So, take an Italian treasure like that and let Leonetti steer.

Owen Bargreen has the story, “For years Figgins dreamed of adding to his portfolio, already having beautiful Sangiovese wines that are the finest in Washington State. Over time Figgins saw the potential to make great Aglianico wines in high elevation vineyards… He saw his Serra Pedace Vineyard as the perfect site for such a varietal - a place which possesses thin soil types with fractured basalt… I have no doubt that the best wine I tasted was the 2018 Leonetti Aglianico. This is the finest, richest, most beautifully structured wine…”

Well, here it is, and it just does not get more OG than Leonetti. Nor do scores get more impressive, or the pricing so real. Do not miss out on this collectible gem of the Northwest, and beyond.

Few bottles of this delicacy exist.

98 Points – Vinous “Chris Figgins, whom I have long admired, made knockout wines in 2018. I fondly recall what he was able to create in 2002 and 2005, as well as the beautifully balanced 2012s and the rich and heady 2013s. These are rich and layered 2018s with serious tannins and aging potential that need at least a two-hour decant. The Serra Pedace vineyard is a high-elevation site that was named after ancestors Frank and Rose Leonetti’s hometown in Calabria, Italy. The 2018 offers anise, tar, and black licorice notes combined with suggestions of black cherry syrup on the nose. The palate shows good freshness and serious flavor density. crème de cassis and crème de Violette flavors meld well with minerals, sweet pipe tobacco, creosote, and shades of espresso grounds. This is big, generous, weighty, yet the focus and precision in the winemaking are really impressive. This is drinking beautifully even in its youth, but try to resist for at least a few more years if you can. Drink 2024-2045.”