Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2016

The second vintage of Leeu Passant, the label that sees acclaimed winemaking couple Andrea and Chris Mullinuex working  with the backing of Indian businessman Analjit Singh to source grapes from across the Cape, have just been released, tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Apex predator.

Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2016
Wine Cellar price: R645

From a vineyard on the Helderberg in Stellenbosch. Fermented and matured for 18 months in 225-litre French oak barrels, 30% new. A subtle and complex nose of pear, white peach, dried herbs and attractive oak. The palate is marked by great fruit definition, snappy acidity and a pithy finish – it has a lot of the proverbial “coiled spring” about it. Very good now but sure to be even better in the three to five years. Alc: 14%.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

Leeu Passant Dry Red Wine 2016
Wine Cellar price: R1 005

A blend of 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon from unirrigated bush vines in Stellenbosch, 37.5% Cabernet Franc from a high-altitude block on the Helderberg in Stellenbosch and 25% Cinsault, partly from a Wellington block planted in 1900 and partly from a Franschhoek block planted in 1922.

Partial whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 16 months in 500-litre barrels, 30% new. Red cherry, dried herbs and tobacco plus a hint of vanilla on the nose. The palate is pure and fresh, while the tannins are particularly grippy, the wine appearing a little unknit compared to how the 2015 showed on release. Taken as a whole, it’s again immensely appealing and an important sign post as to the direction that modern SA red might take. Alc: 14%.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

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