Rhône Theme

Timed Online Auction, 2 - 12 February 2024

Rhône | International & South African offering
About the Session

The first sale of the 2024 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering and has fast-become one of the most popular at Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions. 


Sold for

ZAR 4 925
Lot 19
  • Leeuwenkuil; Heritage Syrah; 2017; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 4 500 - 6 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 4 925

About this Item

2017 Heritage Syrah
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

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* (97/100)

'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

'The nose is a heady mixture of black berries, olive, lavender, fynbos, coriander and white pepper while the palate shows good fruit density, fresh acidity and grippy tannins – great form and length.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 (Nov 2019)

'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 (Sep 2020)

View all Leeuwenkuil lots for sale in this auction