Burgundy and Champagne
Timed Online Auction, 28 August - 9 September 2024
Burgundy - White
About the SessionBurgundy is home to one of the world's greatest white grapes: Chardonnay.
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About this Item
Since 2013, Chris and Andrea Mullineux have been working on a new project that focuses on vineyards outside of the Swartland appellation which have been specially selected by Rosa Kruger. Together with their partner Analijt Singh they launched their game changing Leeu Passant wines. Produced from old vines, including the oldest registered red wine vineyard in South Africa, these wines redefine the South African wine landscape. Their inspiration comes from past successes of the 50s, 60s and 70s, like Chateau Libertas and Rustenberg Dry Red. Their wines speak of South Africa’s heritage and bring the unique wines of the past into the future.
The Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay is made from a single vineyard Chardonnay, planted at 410 metres above sea level on the gravel slopes of the Helderberg Mountain.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Whole bunch, barrel fermented/matured year (30% new), unfiltered. 2016 shows expected complexity, citrus to the fore, white-fleshed stonefruit, gentle savoury thread. In perfect health, beautifully crafted. 2015 (4.5 stars, 91 pts) was maiden vintage.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 5* (96/100)
‘Bright yellow apple, peach and pear flavors mingle here, with a creamy texture and a finish that glistens with honeysuckle and quinine notes. Offers lovely purity and length. Best from 2021 through 2026.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (May 2019)
‘Light scents of hazelnut, fresh honeycomb and ginger root sit atop the fruit core of Asian pear, pineapple core and green melon, with secondary waves of sweet lime leaf and Honeycrisp apple. The balanced and focused palate shows nice precision, with bright acidity and an exuberant saline spray that carries through to the finish. Notes of lemon curd, lime pith and melon rind lead the close, which then evolves into decadent tones of lightly toasted apple skin and peach pit.’ – Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 93/100 (Mar 2019)
‘This is the second vintage from Chris and Andrea Mullineux's Franschhoek estate, in partnership with businessman Analjit Singh. Chardonnay grapes grown in the loam rich soils of the Helderberg Mountain are vinified then matured in French oak barrels, 30% new. It has a rich and complex nose of tropical fruit, vinyl, nut, honey and a hint of struck match. In the mouth a sweet attack develops tangy and peppery characters, with lime, apple and tropical fruits cutting through the round, buttery body. Delicious.’ – James Button, Decanter.com, 94/100 (Feb 2019)
‘Leeu Passant reduced its range from two Chardonnays to one in 2016, and justifiably so. This breezy site on the False Bay side of the Helderberg is perfect for Chardonnay and has produced a nuanced, refreshing, beautifully balanced wine with racy acidity, fine oak and citrus peel acidity. A classy wine. 2019-28’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100
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