Whitehall Lane 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Estate   

2017 Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon “Leonardini Estate”, Napa Valley

San Francisco Wine Panel Score 95 Points

Deeply complex, ripe, polished and forthcoming, this tri-appellation reserve-level blend is a fine representation of the Napa Valley at large. The nose melds aromas of  blueberry, sour dark cherry, red currant, sweet dark plum, cedar, clove, baking-spice, dark pipe tobacco, forest earth and bay leaf into impressive harmony. It proves as sweet-natured as hoped on the palate, where red and black cherry and red currant jam flavors take center stage before notes of plum, mulberry, star anise, clove, cedar and hazelnut nougat. The finish is racy, bright and lingering, with the darker fruit tones gaining richness as it airs. Expect this already delicious wine to improve for another two or three years at least.

Wine Spectator

93 Points

This has an intriguing mix of loganberry, plum and açaí berry fruit flavors stitched together with hints of warm mocha, tar, tobacco and melted licorice. The long, lush finish will have lots of fans. Drink now through 2030. 1,076 cases made. Issue: Feb 28, 2021 JM