THE WINES
2010 CHENIN BLANC
2007 SYRAH
2009 CALPELLA
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2009 Leo Steen Calpella Red Table Wine Mendocino County
Rated: 87 -Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright ruby. Wild, pungent scents of dried cherry, cassis, dark chocolate and smoked meat, along with a hint of herbs. Chewy dark fruit flavors provide good palate coverage but show a slight dry edge. Finishes with firm grip, a touch of bitterness and lingering smokiness, with the cherry note repeating.
2009 Leo Steen Chenin Blanc Saini Farms Dry Creek Valley
Rated: 89 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Pale, green-tinged straw. Ripe apple and pear on the nose, with intriguing floral and herbal qualities adding complexity. Sappy and broad, with deep orchard fruit and citrus pith flavors and a touch of anise. The broad finish features palate-staining persistence and lingering sappiness. The pH here is a high 3.8 but I sense good energy; winemaker Leo Steen reports that these vines are 29 years old and dry-farmed.
2007 Leo Steen Syrah WO Vineyards Block 40 Russian River Valley
Rated: 91 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright purple. Scents of blackberry and blueberry are complicated by sexy spice and floral nuances. Very rich but surprisingly lithe, offering juicy dark berry flavors and an exotic vanilla quality, along with candied violet and pepper notes. The spice element repeats on the impressively long, penetrating finish.
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