Nose
The initial nose is blueberry compote, blackberries, and a whiff of pine resin and sawdust behind the classic cabernet note of cassis. As I taste an open bottle over several days, the wine changes dramatically, with additional layers of aromas, including tobacco, more black fruits, and vanilla revealing themselves. I'm always pleased when a wine does this, as it's a wonderful harbinger that it will continue to gain complexity in bottle for years to come.
Palate
The palate of this cab is just gorgeous, with a lush, mouth-coating texture. The tannin content is high, but they are very ripe, fine-grained, and long. The wine finishes with an endless glycerin sweetness in which Leonetti wines are known.
Growing Conditions
Bloom-time rains caused poor fruit set, resulting in loose, small, open clusters and low yields. Very hot year led to thick skins on Cabernet, increasing tannin and color. Harvest weather was very cool but rainless- a perfect end to a hot growing season. Overall, a very, very high-quality vintage.
Appearance
Dense, saturated color.
