2011 Leonetti Sangiovese
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Tasting notes
(aged mostly in used 30-hectoliter botti, plus some smaller new puncheons; includes a bit of Syrah): Bright deep red. Lovely rose petal perfume to the aromas of raspberry, licorice and menthol. Sappy and savory on the palate, with an impression of gripping acidity enlivening the flavors of crystallized raspberry and cocoa powder. Superb energy and lift here but still quite dry, even youthfully clenched. A classic 2011 for the cellar. There’s not much sangiovese left in Washington these days.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Starting out the 2011s and a pretty effort, the 2011 Sangiovese offers bright cherry, underbrush, hints of pepper and plenty of cedar to go with a medium to full-bodied, juicy and lightly textured profile on the palate. It has real Sangiovese character, beautiful purity and at least a decade of longevity. While Chris’s 2011s are a fair step back from his smoking good 2010s, they nevertheless possess lively, fresh and elegant characters as well as solid richness. They’re certainly of high quality and worth checking out. His 2012s will be even better, and they have deeper, richer mid-palates and additional structure. Tel. (509) 525-1428; www.leonetticellar.com