Leo Steen

Saini Farms Chenin Blanc

9.0149 ratings
9.144 pro ratings
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Chenin Blanc
Turkey, Vanilla & Caramel, Fruit & Berries, Exotic Spices, Salads & Greens, Pate, Potato, Tomato-Based, Chicken, Fruit Desserts, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pungent Cheese, Squash & Root Vegetables, Goat & Feta Cheese, Cheddar & Gruyere, Sweet Potato, Yuca, Taro, Baking Spices, Chili & Hot Spicy, Nuts & Seeds, Soft Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Quinoa, Shellfish, Sweet Potato
Top Notes For
Jo Florradikal

peaches, wet stones, orange peel and pith, nice texture and body. bitter finish with caramel notes

peaches, wet stones, orange peel and pith, nice texture and body. bitter finish with caramel notes

Dec 14th, 2017
Brian McMahon

Sales Polaner Selections

9.2

Varietals: Chenin Blanc
Vineyard: Saini Farms, Dry Creek Valley AVA
Orientation: On the banks of the Dry Creek, North-South facing row direction
Soil: Sandy loam, gravely River bottom
Viticulture: Sustainable - Cordon trellis and dry farmed
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel
Aging: Aged in neutral barrels for 3-4 months
Production: 408 cases - 750ml and 30 cases - 375ml
Notes: Pale straw color with green reflections. A lovely nose, with aromas of apple, Anjou pear, white jasmine tea and hints of peach and nutmeg. On the palate, orchard fruit and citrus layers mingle with green tropical elements, all supported by crisp, acidity, enlivening minerality and delicate white flower notes.

Varietals: Chenin Blanc
Vineyard: Saini Farms, Dry Creek Valley AVA
Orientation: On the banks of the Dry Creek, North-South facing row direction
Soil: Sandy loam, gravely River bottom
Viticulture: Sustainable - Cordon trellis and dry farmed
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel
Aging: Aged in neutral barrels for 3-4 months
Production: 408 cases - 750ml and 30 cases - 375ml
Notes: Pale straw color with green reflections. A lovely nose, with aromas of apple, Anjou pear, white jasmine tea and hints of peach and nutmeg. On the palate, orchard fruit and citrus layers mingle with green tropical elements, all supported by crisp, acidity, enlivening minerality and delicate white flower notes.

4 people found it helpfulDec 20th, 2014
Ellen Shaughnessy

Reminds me of a crispy sun-setting eve overlooking Sonoma vineyards: ahhhhh

Reminds me of a crispy sun-setting eve overlooking Sonoma vineyards: ahhhhh

2 people found it helpfulJun 5th, 2015
Chris Paul

Wine Educator Copain Wines

9.3

Rich floral and honey notes. Subtle citrus on the palette. Bone dry. #cheninigans #7solution #drycreekvalley

Rich floral and honey notes. Subtle citrus on the palette. Bone dry. #cheninigans #7solution #drycreekvalley

1 person found it helpfulNov 20th, 2015
Ken Swegles

Very nice!

Very nice!

Oct 7th, 2016
Jordan Gianelli

Couldn't finish it because it tastes like grapes! Annoying comment, I know, but lacked the acidity or minerality that I need in Chenin.

Couldn't finish it because it tastes like grapes! Annoying comment, I know, but lacked the acidity or minerality that I need in Chenin.

Apr 20th, 2016
Scott Reiner

Excellent. Bone dry with lovely mouth feel. Viscosity belies California but acid balance is great.

Excellent. Bone dry with lovely mouth feel. Viscosity belies California but acid balance is great.

Jan 14th, 2016
John Skupny - Lang & Reed Wine Company

Had this one a lot and liked it. Rated it from past experience as I Found this one a little musty/earthy that turned into a corked bottle. Too bad.

Had this one a lot and liked it. Rated it from past experience as I Found this one a little musty/earthy that turned into a corked bottle. Too bad.

Sep 26th, 2015
Erich Broksas

Early Mountain Vineyards

9.5

Have been wanting to try Leo Steen for awhile. Thanks @Delectable Wine for the #cheninigans recommendation. Wondering what @Pascaline Lepeltier, MS thinks of this one.

Have been wanting to try Leo Steen for awhile. Thanks @Delectable Wine for the #cheninigans recommendation. Wondering what @Pascaline Lepeltier, MS thinks of this one.

Jul 10th, 2015
William Hughes

Leo Steen is doing wonders with California Chenin Blanc. I imagine this will do better with a little more time in the cellar. Succulent white flowers, minerals, lemon zest and green apple glide down with enough acidity to pair this well with a number of dishes.

Leo Steen is doing wonders with California Chenin Blanc. I imagine this will do better with a little more time in the cellar. Succulent white flowers, minerals, lemon zest and green apple glide down with enough acidity to pair this well with a number of dishes.

Jun 5th, 2015