Leo Steen Chardonnay 2015

At Leo Steen, I strive to make interesting wines with both a sense of place and a purpose. For me, the “purpose” of my wines has become a quintessential element in my winemaking philosophy. Years ago, before I embarked upon my journey as a winemaker, I was a sommelier guiding people through an exploration of the timeless relationship between wine and food. I loved thinking about how food and wine worked together, and offering people choices beyond the obvious. The satisfaction of introducing people to new varietals from exciting undiscovered vineyards, and showing how these wines enhanced great food, was and continues to be, thrilling for me.

When I founded Leo Steen Wines in 2004, those experiences stayed with me. I wanted to look beyond the standards—Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon—and instead offer people unique and interesting varietals. I also wanted people to able to enjoy my wines by the glass. This meant offering them at a price that was both accessible and fair, without ever sacrificing quality.

All of my wines are made by my own hand in small lots using gentle, traditional winemaking techniques. In the spectrum of California winemaking, they are crafted at lower alcohols, with very modest amounts of new oak, or none at all. While my wines offer lovely fruit, I strive to express the purity of these flavors as part of a balanced and harmonious whole. Finally, to ensure that every barrel of wine receives the attention it deserves (an idea symbolized by my Sommelier Prints), I make less than 1,000 cases each vintage.

I hope you enjoy my Leo Steen wines, and I thank you for your interest.