2022 Leviathan California Red

Leviathan

Leviathan is pound for pound one of the greatest California red wines there is. Leviathan is the project of Andy Erickson of Screaming Eagle($2000 plus a bottle) and Dalle Valle  ($250 plus a bottle). Cabernet lovers know how hard it is to find a great bottle of Cabernet for less than $50. This is that wine. Erickson took over from wine-making legend Heidi Barret at Screaming Eagle, no small task. Erickson worked under greats like Paul Hobbs, John Kongsgaard and Michel Rolland. He was winemaker for the mighty Harlan and Staglin. He is definitely an American winemaking treasure. Leviathan is a pet project for Erickson that allows him to express himself creatively through blending different grapes and vineyard sources. Andy is tight lipped about his fruit sources but based on the vineyards he has worked with, assumptions can be made. Leviathan is a rich, full wine with vibrant texture. Its complex flavors are derived from a unique blend which highlights the best of California — carefully fine-tuned each vintage to create a bold, rich, enticing wine. Definitely improve in the cellar. Open a bottle and you will not believe how good this is for the money. This wine is a rare breed, serious quality made by serious people at a reasonable price. I strongly recommend it.

94pts Suckling 92pts Parker Save 40% Made By Andy Erickson Of Screaming Eagle Fame 78% Cabernet.
Surprisingly, the 2022 Leviathan Red Wine may outshine the 2021 vintage. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot, it’s loaded with black cherries and cassis. Full-bodied and crowd-pleasing red wine that proves you don’t need to have residual sugar or use Mega Purple to fill this niche. Velvety textured, fruit forward and long on the finish. 92pts WA
Aromas of blackberry, plum, licorice, bitter chocolate, violet and spice. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with softly integrated tannins and bright acidity that leads into a plush and generous finish. Fresh, with early-drinking appeal and a high level of sophistication. 94pts JS