Cabernet Sauvignon 'Stellenbosch'

Score

94

"The 2022 Leeu Passant is the Mullineux's take on Cabernet Cinsault, but with a proportion of Cabernet Franc. It has a very well-defined, classically styled bouquet that is actually reminiscent of an old-school claret: dark berry fruit, sous-bois, hints of Montecristo cigar wafting on the scene. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins on the entry. Gentle grip, just a dash of cracked black peppercorns and bell pepper emanating from the Cabernet Franc, with a pinch of white pepper towards the finish. It takes a little time to unfold, but it has real complexity and class."

Score

94

"The Leeu Passant 2023 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested before the rains, preserving purity and finesse in a vintage that demanded careful timing. Rather than pursuing extraction, vintner Andrea Mullineux focused on mid-palate texture and aromatic nuance, revealing blue flowers, dark rose and fragile red-toned fruit wrapped in fine, articulate tannins. The vineyard lies one kilometer from the estate™s Chardonnay site on the Helderberg but sits 100 meters lower at 300 meters in elevation, where a protective hill slightly moderates the wind and warmth. Here, iron-rich soils transition into granite, creating what Mullineux describes as œa smear of iron on top,” with granite tension shaping length and structure. Aged with careful attention to oak evolution, the second year of wood allows aromatics to unfurl while the first year is dedicated to tannin polymerization. Spice and dark fruit carry through a long, poised finish."

Score

93

"Very fragrant, showing lavender, red and black currants, nutmeg and licorice on the nose. It,s full-bodied, balanced and finely textured. Lovely fruit. Drink now or hold."