Leeu Passant Chardonnay 2018 Mullineux

Professional reviews

Jancis Robinson (17.50)

Single vineyard on the higher loam-based slopes of Helderberg Mountain with maritime influence. Grapes were hand-harvested on 13 and 16 February with yields averaging 36 hl/ha. The cooled grapes are pressed whole bunch and allowed to settle overnight. The must is then racked to barrel for fermentation and temperatures are kept below 24 °C. Fermentation lasted 36 days after which the wine went through malolactic conversion naturally. After spending 12 months on the lees in tight-grain French barriques, 30% new, the wine was then racked, blended, with minimal SO2 added and then aged a further six months in second- and third-fill barriques before bottling. 520 cases plus 210 magnums made.
Naughty heavy bottle. Very light struck-match element on the nose but not too exaggerated. Good depth of savoury flavour on the palate. Restraint and ageing potential but this is broachable already too. Very well done! Just the right balance between weight and refreshment. Good persistence. Pretty smart stuff! The Mullineuxs have made this with great precision. I suspect it will not be given away but it should be a great ambassador for South Africa.

BOW (8.50)