Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

'They are priced at the same level, but I prefer this Chardonnay of the two new Leeu Passant releases. Sourced from a vineyard on the False Bay side of the Helderberg, it's a saline, ocean-influenced style with lovely elegance, lift and focus, subtle oak and a refreshing, palate-cleansing finish. 2018-25.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100

'Gently mineral reductive stoney note. Crisp apple and citrus. Smoky and cool and stunningly fresh and definitely more citrus than on the Swartland Chenins - a real stony character, very dry and chalky finesse. Extremely tight and bone dry and so fresh.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (May 2018)

'The 2015 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay had a similar analysis to the Elandskloof Chardonnay, but this had a quicker alcoholic fermentation and maintained a higher level of acidity, because of the difference in terroir. It is matured for 12 months in about 30% new oak. Now, this is a dead ringer for Burgundy with hints of almond and walnut infusing the citrus fruit, the reductive soil bringing to mind growers that employ a reductive style of winemaking. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, harmonious in the mouth with a pleasant sour lemon note that marries beautifully with the white peach and nectarine notes on the finish. Delicious, in a single prosaic word.' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Apr 2017)