Rhône Theme
Timed Online Auction, 13 - 20 February 2023
Rhône Theme
About the SessionThe first sale of the 2023 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering.
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About this Item
Leeuwenkuil, meaning ‘Lion’s Lair’, is owned by Willie and Emma Dreyer. Situated in the Swartland, the farm dates back to 1693. When Willie and Emma began building Leeuwenkuil it was 45 hectares of vineyards but today comprises of 1,250 hectares. At Leeuwenkuil they follow a sustainable farming approach with as little interference as possible. Leeuwenkuil offers staggering value in general and caused a stir when their 2013 Shiraz was given a 92-point score in Decanter.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
'A blue-blood Swartland Syrah. 2017 captivating spice, berries both fragrant and flavoursome, precise rather than showy. Little tighter than previously made 2015 but silky concentration bides time behind fine, fresh grip. So elegant, so stylish.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (97 pts)
'Willie Dreyer grows some of the best grapes in South Africa, so it’s no surprise that this Syrah is so consistently good and is showing just as well a year after I first reviewed it. Bloody, intense and stony, with amazing focus and minerality, layered tannins, a twist of pepper and rich, savoury dark berry fruit. 2020-29.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 95/100
'This estate dates back to 1693; Leeuwenkuil means ‘lion’s lair’. Its Heritage Syrah is a blend of two of its best schist vineyards. Very Rhône-like in style, there’s a smoky, slightly animal note hiding in the undergrowth. It’s only just medium-bodied but has real impact and textural force on the palate, thanks to a fine mesh of tight tannins and precise acidity. It all pulls together on the finish like a drawstring. Should age with interest.' - Matt Walls, Decanter, 94/100 (Sept 2020)