Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

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 2035
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.

Robert Parker: 95/100
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. Tannin management is very important to UC Davis-trained winemaker Andrea Mullineux. She seeks tannins that are “buildable with chalky silkiness.” She does extended macerations to polymerize the tannins. She ages in 500-liter barrel for the first year (with 30% new oak) followed by upright 5,000-liter wooden vats. “The tannins go in a better direction once the wine goes into barrel,” she says. 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.

Platter’s rating: 94/100 ****(*) 
Lifted aromas of cool-grown Helderberg fruit – blackcurrant, violets, cedar spice – on ageworthy 2022. Textured & precise, impeccable fine-grain tannin & 30% new 500L barrel & 5000L foudre, 23 months, supporting palate & adding hints of tobacco & grass to terrific, intense savoury farewell.

Tim Atkin: 94/100 
Showing the maritime influence that’s a feature of wines from the cooler, western end of the Helderberg, looking down on False Bay, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon that you could easily mistake for a Cabernet Franc, all graphite, cut grass and green herb aromas and a palate of dill, cassis and black cherry embellished by 33% new oak. 2026-38