- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Grown on one of Stellenbosch’s coolest sites on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain
- Iron and sandstone-rich soils
- Hand harvested and destemmed to tanks with only minimal SO2 added
- Fermentation with indigenous yeast lasted 2 weeks with daily pump overs, not exceeding 26ºC
- After extended maceration, the wine was drained and pressed to barrels
- Matured for 15 in 500L French oak barrels, 30% were new
- Aged for a further 15 months in larger format oak before bottling
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2022
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Stellenbosch
Appellation:
Stellenbosch
Variety:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | ZA-MLP-03-22 | 6/750ml |
Press & Reviews
Wine Advocate
Score
95
Date
2025-06-05
"The Leeu Passant 2022 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon comes from dry-farmed bush vines. The vineyard is one kilometer from the Chardonnay and 100 meters lower in elevation. This slight difference makes for a very different growing environment that is dictated by ocean breezes and wind. Strong winds are, in fact, part of the terroir, says Andrea Mullineux. That's why bush vines are so low in South Africa. This vineyard nook remains a little warmer during the last phase of ripening, resulting in rich and concentrated flavors. This is a velvety Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh fruit tones, spice and crushed stone. It delivers a long-lasting, medium-plus texture, and you definitely will remark on the elegant chalkiness of the tannins."
James Suckling
Score
94
Date
2024-11-25
"Fragrant nose of paprika, currants, wild blueberries and dried herbs. This is both firm and silky on the palate with a medium to full body. Layered, it's framed by sleek and fine-grained tannins. From vines planted in 1986. Try from 2025."
Vinous
Score
92
Date
2024-09-19
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2023
James Suckling
Score
94
Date
2023-12-11
"#63 Top 100 Wines of South Africa 2023: This is so aromatic showing aromas of thyme, lavender, wild bramble berries, olives and sliced chilis. Elegant and sophisticated, with a medium body and firm, fine-grained tannins. Lovely freshness and tightness. Drink or hold."
2023
Wine Advocate
Score
93+
Date
2023-12-29
"Dark ruby in color, the 2023 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon displays a dusty edge in the glass, with tones of dark red and black fruit and herbaceous notes of roasted red pepper, dusty cherry and dark plum blossoms. Medium-bodied, the wine uncoils on the palate, revealing a firm tannic edge with a fresh beam of acidity that drives the mid-palate. It will undoubtedly age like a champ but will need additional time in the bottle to come around. Until then, if you enjoy young, cool-climate Cabernet, this is for you. I would instead give it a few more years and enjoy it with food. Your patience will be rewarded."
2020
Tim Atkin, MW
Score
94
Date
2020-01-01
2020
James Suckling
Score
93
Date
2022-11-08
2020
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2023-11-02
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch is located in two blocks at around 300m, although the parcel here is not directly exposed to False Bay. Aged for ten months in 500-liter barrels and then racked into a large format, upright, old oak vat. It's "
2020
Wine Advocate
Score
91+
Date
2022-12-30
2019
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
2023-04-06
2019
James Suckling
Score
93
Date
2022-10-26
2019
Vinous
Score
90
Date
2021-12-01
2019
Wine Advocate
Score
90
Date
2022-06-09
2018
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2021-02-01
2018
Wine Advocate
Score
91+
Date
2022-06-09