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.

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