Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from South Africa, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Italy, Spain and more….
Timed Online Auction, 27 June - 15 July 2024
South Africa - Reds
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
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.
This lot consists of the following wines:
Leeuwenkuil Syrah 2012 (3 x 750ml)
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2015 (1 x 750ml)
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2017 (1 x 750ml)
It is produced from a single vineyard on the western slope of the Riebeeksrivier ‘côte’ that produces extraordinarily concentrated, small berries which translates into a wine of both power and finesse; much like the famous wines of the Northern Rhône. This region is known for its exceptional vineyards that form part of some of SA’s most prestigious Syrah-based wines.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
2012:
‘Bright, pure-fruited perfume from whole-berry fermentation on 12. Red-fruit palate a touch stalky & herbaceous. Fresh acidity, fine dry tannins.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4*
‘Almost black. A bit reduced. Quite impressively broad succulent Syrah on the palate. Very savoury and leathery. Not at all sweet.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16+/20 (Jan 2015)
2015:
'The grapes for this wine come from a 16-year-old schist vineyard on Riebeek Mountain, surrounded by fynbos. The brambly and spicy nose has a savoury edge – it smells like a South African braai! That fynbos comes through on the palate, alongside herbal notes, black olives and white pepper, plus luscious red and black berries. Supremely drinkable and a great barbecue wine.' - Julie Sheppard, Decanter.com, 92/100 (Feb 2019)
'No longer a single vineyard wine - it now hails from two parcels of 21 and 37 years’ old - this remains an incredibly intense, hedonistic Syrah, with savoury, aromatic spices, dark blackberry fruit, some black olive and a fresh, satisfying finish. 2019-25' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100
'A Swartland standard-bearer. Multi-awarded 2015 reflects stellar vintage. Layers of scented dark spice, berry complexity gently brushed with older oak announce class. Supple silkiness merges seamlessly with fine tannin, lending energy, reverberating length; all delivered with effortless elegance. Disconcertingly drinkable; long-term prospects too, like 2014 (4.5 stars, 94 pts).' - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 5* (97/100)
2017:
'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.com, 94/100 (Sep 2020)
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