Posh Wine at the Friendliest Winery in the Valley
CSM, Springfield
This is a must visit winery when in Southern California. Being on the quiet De Portola Road side of Temecula it is a little harder to find, but is surrounded by several other worthy wineries so the extra distance isn't a time killer. Leonesse prides themselves on being the friendliest winery in Temecula. Their tasting staff has certainly earned my vote on every visit. Their well appointed tasting room is inviting and spacious as is their outside restaurant 'Block 5.' Having food service on site adds to the opportunity to spend quality time in the vineyard with good wine and food. Leonesse offers three tiers of wine with their Vineyard Select Wines being notable for sourcing grapes from a single vineyard and receiving significant maturation in new French Oak (typically 18 -24 months). Like the other wineries in Temecula Leonesse lacks the economies of scale associated with larger operations and so if you have caviar tastes and a box wine budget, your going to need an allowance increase. That being said, their wines are worth every penny in my mind. Of the entry tier wines offered for tasting I particularly recommend the 2005 Zinfandel and the Cabernet Franc. I also enjoyed their Meritage; an appellation I particularly seek when offered, as I believe it is the best evidence of that wine maker's style and skill, given freer rein than under traditional blending rules for varietals. If still available in their Library Selection, the 2004 Vineyard Select Merlot is a luscious and full bodied treat, and their 2004 Syrah has been highly rated.