Introduction:
The 2022 Leonetti Cellar Merlot from Walla Walla Valley is a rich and expressive red that exemplifies the best of Washington State Merlot. Ripe fruit, polished tannins, and a deep core of complexity make this a standout vintage.

Terrior:
Drawn from top estate vineyards including Loess, Mill Creek Upland, and the original Old Block. These sites feature loess, silt-loam, and alluvial soils and benefit from warm days and cool nights—ideal for building structure, ripeness, and aromatic lift.

Appearance:
Deep garnet with brilliant clarity at the rim.

Nose:
Intense aromatics of black cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum, accented by mocha, vanilla, fresh herbs, and subtle cedar spice.

Palate:
Full-bodied, with a plush mouthfeel and fine-grained tannins. Layers of dark fruit—blackberry, cassis, and dried fig—are complemented by notes of cocoa, baking spice, and a savory herbal edge. Rich, yet balanced by freshness and mineral nuance.

Finish:
Long and refined, with lingering dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a subtle chalky minerality.

Overall Impression:
A powerful yet poised Merlot that highlights Leonetti’s consistent craftsmanship. Beautiful now with decanting, but built to evolve over the next decade. Ideal with grilled meats, braised dishes, or aged cheeses.

Press:
95 points, Owen Bargreen:
"The 2022 Leoentti Merlot is a brilliant, cool vintage wine that really needs an hour of air upon opening. Also, 100% varietal in this vintage, the merlot was sourced from the Loess, Mill Creek Upland, and Leonetti Old Block Vineyards. Chocolate-covered dark cherry and cigar box notes mark the nose alongside Arabica bean and shades of Chinese black tea. The palate is smooth and silky, with excellent concentration. With each sip, the pillowy texture caresses you, as this is brimming with rich red licorice, boysenberry, roasted dates, black tea, and exotic spice flavors. The sense of balance is exquisite as this fantastic new bottling will show well over the next two decades. An hour of air is going to do this wine wonders."

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"All merlot aged in once-filled and neutral oak, the 2022 Merlot sports a vivid ruby/purple hue as well as solid aromatics of ripe black cherries, cedary herbs, dried flowers, and a kiss of background oak. It's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, elegant mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It will keep from 10-12 years with ease."

94 points, James Suckling:
"I like the chocolate and Oreo cookie aromas to the black plum fruit. Oranges and bay leaves, too. It’s full-bodied, full of character, and expansive on the palate, with a toasty, firm tannin frame. Remains elegant. 100% merlot. Drink from 2025."

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Estate vineyards managed sustainably
Producer Name: Leonetti Cellar
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Walla Walla Valley, Washington
Grape Varietals: 100% Merlot
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Full-bodied, opulent Merlot with dark fruit, spice, velvety tannins, and refined structure
Winemaking Techniques: Hand-harvested; cold soak; fermented in small open-top fermenters; aged 15 months in French oak (new and second-use); full malolactic fermentation; bottled after gentle racking
Pack Size: 750 ml bottle
Container Style: Standard Bordeaux-style glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork