Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Kleur: diep donkerrood, bijna zwart
Geur: kersen, rijpe bramen, zwarte bessen, anijs, vanille, cederhout
Smaak: vol en krachtig, heel sappig, rijpe tannines, pruimen, cederhout, cassis
Houdbaar: iets koel drinken, houdbaar tot 2030
Lekker bij: steaks, entrecote, gebraden rosbief, lamsvlees, oude Hollandse kazen

Tasting Note Andrea: This classically aromatic & supple Cabernet Sauvignon invites with notes of mulberry, dried orange rind, Kapokbos and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate opens to mouth-quenching cassis and fresh Sapphire plum, which are cupped by elegant, silky tannins. The richness and power of this wine are balanced by beautiful freshness and finesse.

Stellenbosch is a natural home for Cabernet Sauvignon and this wine represents the distinguished elegance and balance that the grape can exude there. The vineyards are planted in the cooler parts of Stellenbosch – one parcel of 39 year old dry farmed bush vines planted in deep alluvial soils of Firgrove; 2 parcels planted on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain and one planted in the deep decomposed Granite soils of the Polkadraai Hills.

Winemaking: This wine was aged for 20 months in 500L French oak barrels of which 30% were new.

Platter’s rating: 93/100 ****(*) 
A classic from one of the coolest sites on the Helderberg. Naturally fermented, rich & inviting, with ripe dark fruit, mineral graphite notes & fynbos fragrance in 2020. Statuesque & powerful yet precise, bold yet satin textured, memorable length. Built to last 15+ years. 30% new 500L barrel & 5,000L foudre, 23 months. 2019 (5 stars, 96 pts) included Polkadraai fruit.

Tim Atkin: 94/100 
The 2020 Leeu Passant Cabernet Sauvignon comes from what Chris Mullineux calls the “Lower Helderberg” and is another refined, beautifully weighted wine from a project that goes from strength to strength. Scented, ethereal and well balanced, with a waft of 30% new oak, red cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant leaf fruit and a tapering finish. Very sophisticated. 2023-30