2004 Leonetti Merlot

[bills]

2004 Leonetti Merlot (Columbia Valley) – when I visited a friend to try and solve an equipment problem with my stereo (he creates high end home theatre systems) he offered me a glass of wine. From the kitchen I heard “I have this bottle a client gave me – Leonetti Merlot – is it any good?”

Upon suitable assurances from me, the cork was duly pulled and the wine allowed to show its stuff. I usually keep my Leonettis much longer than this, so it was interesting for me as well.

Huge chocolate in the nose along with red fruit, and quite full and smooth in the mouth, with a markedly smooth finish, the tannins being present but obviously having signed a non-aggression treaty with the fruit, something that surprised me at this very young age.

Very impressive. Can others who routinely put their Leonetti Merlots to the sword, or rather screw at such young ages tell me if this is par for the course these days? My recollection from others tasted young (1990s vintages) was that the tannins were firmer than this.