Leo Steen Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2015 Front Label
Leo Steen Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2015 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

My favorite vintage of Saini Chenin Blanc to date, this wine has alluring weight and richness, a silky texture and dazzling aromas of Anjou pear, green apple, quince, lemon verbena and white flowers. With a lovely hint of viscosity to the mouthfeel, the flavors seem to glide across the palate, offering a medley of orchard fruit, Meyer lemon, and green pineapple notes, as well as hints of white tea and wet Riverstone minerality that carry through to a lingering finish.

Professional Ratings

  • 92
    The 2015 Leo Steen Chenin Blanc is an excellent wine made for those with a global appreciation of the grape variety, This wine would appeal to real lovers of Vouvrays. This wine exhibits enticing aromas and flavors of dried citrus, wild herbs, and green apples and invites a serving of lime-accented, lightly spiced ceviche. (Tasted: March 9, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
Leo Steen

Leo Steen

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Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. Somm Secret—Landing in South Africa in the mid 1800s, today the country has double the acreage of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. There is also a new wave of dedicated producers committed to restoring old Chenin vines.

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Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma County, California

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A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.

Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.

LSWLS15CBSF2_2015 Item# 161390