Leo Steen

Saini Farms Chenin Blanc

9.029 ratings
9.012 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
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
John Skupny - Lang & Reed Wine Company

Nice even keel. A modern pioneer for Chenin.

Nice even keel. A modern pioneer for Chenin.

May 23rd, 2014
Greg Hirson

Corks and Barrels at Cork Supply USA

7.1

So strange. Piney, hoppy, green. Maybe it was the bottle?

So strange. Piney, hoppy, green. Maybe it was the bottle?

May 21st, 2014
Steve Matthiasson

Owner/Winemaker Matthiasson Wines

9.9

Very nice, great acid, waxy fleshy texture, clean

Very nice, great acid, waxy fleshy texture, clean

Apr 8th, 2014
Alex Pitts

Cellar Master Scholium Project

9.0

Consistently one of my favorite wines in CA

Consistently one of my favorite wines in CA

Oct 31st, 2013
William Allen - Two Shepherds

Owner/Winemaker Two Shepherds

9.2

Leo Steen Chenin Blanc - best & best value domestic CB had yet. Amazing how he does this for $20 through distribution. Yay for neutral barrel aging!

Leo Steen Chenin Blanc - best & best value domestic CB had yet. Amazing how he does this for $20 through distribution. Yay for neutral barrel aging!

Oct 19th, 2013
William Allen - Two Shepherds

Owner/Winemaker Two Shepherds

9.4

Nice $20 Chenin Blanc by Leo Steen. 4 months neutral barrel give a nice complexity - bravo.

Nice $20 Chenin Blanc by Leo Steen. 4 months neutral barrel give a nice complexity - bravo.

Oct 6th, 2013
Pedro Rusk

Wine Educator Kendall Jackson

10

Leo liking it year in year out

Leo liking it year in year out

Apr 29th, 2013
Brian McMahon

Sales Polaner Selections

Gorge

Gorge

Jun 13th, 2014
Erin Pooley

Owner/Winemaker Good Luck Wines

Domestic Sunday!

Domestic Sunday!

Feb 23rd, 2014