Leonetti
Wine and steak – it’s just hard to have one without the other, and personally, it’s our favorite pairing at El Gaucho. Partnering with local businesses and sourcing their products is an important element of our core values, and wine is no exception. After a long and successful run featuring Long Shadows brands on our Wine List, we are excited to offer the wines of Figgins Family Wine Estates, which includes Leonetti Cellar and FIGGINS. Also featured in our “Great Wines of the Northwest” is Doubleback, whose proprietor is former NFL Quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
If you know Washington Wines, you need no introduction to Leonetti Cellar, as they produce some of the most sought after wines in the world. Founded in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins, Leonetti Cellar is the oldest winery in the Walla Walla Valley. Gary planted his first vine on his family’s homestead that originally produced onions. A self-trained winemaker inspired by his Italian heritage, Gary took a no-compromise approach when deciding to make wine commercially, fulfilling a lifetime dream. Winemaking acclaim came early and often, and demand quickly outstripped the winery’s production, which is limited to this day.
Three decades later, Leonetti Cellar is now under the helm of Gary & Nancy’s son, Chris Figgins, who maintains their absolute dedication to no-compromise winemaking, and to produce the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese in the world. Chris recently launched FIGGINS, an estate grown, single vineyard wine from the 32-acre Figgins Estate Vineyard. FIGGINS is a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. He and his team have spent the past several years cultivating this land into what they believe is one of the finest vineyards in Walla Walla Valley. The goal from the beginning has been to elevate the potential of this special site through viticultural and winemaking wisdom.
“We are so proud to have the wines of Figgins Family Wine Estates featured at El Gaucho. This partnership, now spanning decades, has enabled both of us go grow and flourish and we strive to bring world class food and wine to the world right here in our home state,” Chris said.
Chris also collaborates with lifelong friend Drew Bledsoe for Doubleback wines. Having grown up in Walla Walla, owning a winery for Drew has been a longtime aspiration that would allow him to combine his passion for fine wine and love of home. In 2007, Drew returned to his hometown to plant his estate vineyard, McQueen, in the SeVein Vineyards of Distinction. Also in 2007, Doubleback was launched, an estate-focused winery with the goal to produce ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla.
Come taste for yourself these incredible wines from Washington.
Currently on our Wine Menu Feature: *2011 Leonetti Merlot, 2010 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese, 2010 Leonetti Cellar Reserve, 2009 FIGGINS Estate Red, *2010 Doubleback Cabernet.
*Denotes by the glass available.
