Mullineux Leeu Passant Dry Red 2019

The Leeu Passant winery, based in Franschhoek, was established in 2013 with the purpose of harnessing the most exciting vineyards of the Cape in order to create multi-regional wines from vineyards aimed at expressing the Cape as a whole (not only from Franschhoek). The Name “Leeu Passant” is derived from Heraldry, referring to a ‘passing Lion’ and this is the symbol on the top of the capsule. Chris and Andrea Mullineux search far and wide for the best parcels of grapes for these wines, and make them at the Leeu Passant base, on Leeu Estates.

A heritage blend from some of South Africa’s oldest registered vineyards. Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc hail from dry-farmed vines grown on the Helderberg, whilst the Cinsault is from South Africa’s oldest registered red wine vineyard, made up of dry-farmed bush vines, planted on deep sandy alluvial soils in Wellington, planted in 1900.
The wine was aged for 11 months in 500L French oak barrels, of which a third were new and was then blended into seasoned 2000L Foudres for a further 10 months. Inspired by the great South African Cabernet Sauvignon-Cinsault blends of the previous century, The Leeu Passant is a truly special wine well worth spending time to ponder the unique reflection of each grape variety to the blend. The signature aroma of this Dry Red is bergamot orange, followed by hints of black cherries, violets and bramble. This is highlighted by a firm tannin-structure, textured mid-palate and a beautifully fresh, seamless finish.