It's hard to believe that this small South Central Coast winery is more than 20 years old. It hasn't been the only winery in Ventura County for a number of years, but it was the first modern, post-Prohibition winery in the area. Leeward still produces only a little over 15,000 cases annually, but the Chardonnay has strong distribution in California and Nevada and a number of other states. The red wines are more limited and more difficult to find. Barrel char complexity shows through in the aftertaste.
Case purchases highly recommended.
This wine's statement is almost entirely about fruit, specifically friendly cherry and plum fruit. It's a round, soft and friendly wine without a touch of harshness or astringency. Really intense black cherry fruit flavors, with notes of rose oil and tea leaf and a touch of spice. It's a totally satisfying Pinot experience. Will improve with 3-5 years cellaring and as big as it is, there's still no harshness.