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Winery:
Leonetti Cellars

$99.95 Regular

$89.95
in any 12 bottle order or Build a Case

Qty.

Review:

The 2010 vintage may prove to be a benchmark for years to come. The long, late growing season produced deeper, darker fruit than in past vintages. In the glass, the classic ruby color we love is joined by a hint of purple. The nose exhibits the high-toned floral notes we have made a hallmark while also showing plum, maraschino cherry, vanilla and Asian spice notes. On the palate the wine exhibits the balance we continue to strive for; nicely integrated tannins, crisp acidity and beautiful Walla Walla Valley fruit. The bright red fruit is married nicely this year with some darker fruit flavors. The finish lasts and lasts. This is a wine that will reward with some bottle age but, if you must dive in, please decant for a couple of hours to allow it to really shine. - Drew Bledsoe

Doubleback is a true collaboration between retired NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe and childhood buddy Chris Figgins of Leonetti Wine fame. The name, a play on football terminology, refers to Drew "doubling back" to Walla Walla where he and wife Maura purchased land and started planting a vineyard before Drew retired from the NFL. A shrewd businessman, Drew knew he would be retiring from football in his mid-30's and would need to focus on a new career. Having grown up in Walla Walla and gone to college at Washington State University, it made sense to "double back" home for his new venture.

Chris Figgins is a rock star winemaker for Leonetti, one of Washington's premier vineyard and winery operations. When he realized that old friend Drew was seriously committed to making wine, he signed on to be the consulting winemaker. This in turn allowed for a contract to purchase grapes from Leonetti thus enabling them to begin making wine much sooner than having to wait until 2013 when Drew's own vineyard would be mature.

Drew travels the country promoting his wine. He recently appeared before the Massachusetts legislature in conjunction with non-profit organization FREE THE GRAPES! Massachusetts wine lovers still cannot purchase wines directly from out-of-state wineries, even though the legislature has had three years to act on an appellate court ruling directing the legislature to correct its unconstitutional ban on wine shipments.

Right now Doubleback production is extremely limited but the plan is to eventually produce 4,000 cases annually.

2008 Vintage Tasting Notes

2008 Wine Spectator - 94 points - Broad, ripe and generous, with a weightless feel to the dense cherry, blackberry and herb flavors, mingling effortlessly with fine tannins on the long finish. Should age to an elegant style. Drink now through 2020. 900 cases made. – H.S.