FIGGINS

It is a little known fact that the first wine Leonetti Cellar would release was a White Riesling in 1978. These early efforts would be abandoned to allow complete devotion to making world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Fast forward 30 years and the quest to create an incredible Riesling came to fruition though the virtues of Figgins Estate Vineyard. One half-acre parcel, purposely escaped planting to Bordeaux varieties as it would be too cool to fully ripen that fruit, but perfect for Riesling! The first vintage was made in 2010 - a mere 40 cases - thus, the wine only touched the lips of family and guests at winemaker dinners. The response to the wine was so overwhelming we decided to release it commercially to our List members. Riesling can shine in so many interpretations from dessert to dry. We make the FIGGINS Riesling dry, and it shows off the incredible virtues of Figgins Estate. I'm excited to share this wine with you by "dusting off the bottle" and bringing my fathers' first efforts full circle in a fresh new interpretation.

FIGGINS was born from “the site” — Planting to the proper varietals, placement within the vineyard, trellising, and hundreds of other decisions that go into winegrowing with the ultimate goal — To elevate “the site” through the wine. The Estate Red Wine is the flagship of FIGGINS. It is a premium Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend that is created each year to provide the ultimate taste of this very special place.

Figgins Estate Vineyard was planted to have an abundance of fruit from which to make the FIGGINS Estate Red Wine. A plethora of blending options are required in order to create a world-caliber single vineyard wine each year. This also provides some degree of insurance for the inevitably challenging vintages the future will most certainly bring. With each passing vintage, I am finding that Cabernet continues to find its place as the leader of the Estate Red blend. This results in Merlot and Petit Verdot of exceptional quality not finding a home in our flagship wine. Thus, the creation of Figlia – Daughter translated from Italian; Pronunciation (FEE-Lia). I have been blessed with two precious daughters, Raegan and Scarlett – To whom this wine is dedicated. They are represented by the two lovely varieties, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Blended together, they bring Grace and Joy to this wine. Petit Verdot - which is dark, linear, brooding, and yet graceful, and Merlot - which is softening, broadening, juicy, fruity, and floral. It is the perfect “sister wine” to our Estate Red.