Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines - "Leeu Passant" Dry Red 2016 (750ml)
Price: $99.99
| Producer | Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Stellenbosch |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cinsaut |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 200528 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines Description
Leeu Passant is an adventure into Cape wine heritage by Chris & Andrea Mullineux and their partner Analjit Singh. These wines are truly old school South Africa, honoring the pioneers of the Western Cape winemaking scene. Through these wines, the Mullineuxs explore the terroirs of Stellenbosch with Chardonnay and Franschhoek with a traditional Cape red blend in small quantities.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is from a 40 year old dry-farmed bush vine vineyard planted on a granitic Polkadraai site; the Cabernet Franc is from mid-slopes of the iron and sandstone soils of the Helderberg Mountain; and the Cinsault is from South Africa’s two oldest registered red wine vineyards. One site is on deep sandy alluvial soils in Wellington, planted in 1900. The other parcel is from dry-farmed bush vine on the richer, lower eastern colluvial slops of the Franschhoek mountains, planted in 1932
Vinous: 92 Points
The 2016 Leeu Passant Dry Red is Chris and Andrea Mullineaux's take on 1950s and 1960s Cape red wine and utilizes fruit from vines planted as far back as 1900, with 25% whole clusters including around one-third Cabernet Franc, Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was matured for 18 months in 225-liter French oak barrels, 30% new. This works very successfully on the nose of perfumed dark berry fruit laced with cedar and tobacco, not a million miles away from an old school Claret. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a fine bead of acidity, plenty of tar- and tobacco-infused black fruit and a slightly austere but very well balanced finish. Excellent.
Wine Advocate: 90 Points
With dark red fruit and a bright, expressive core, the 2016 Leeu Passant Dry Red Wine has an energetic center that is dominated by Cabernet tones along with succulent, soft red spices and hints of herbal essence. Focused on the palate and with sturdy tannins, it ends with an elegant finish. Well-balanced and food-friendly, this wine is utterly delicious. It's a throwback to South African Cabernet made in the 1970s with the inclusion of Cinsault—the blend is about equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Cinsault.
