Leeu Passant, Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa, 2020

This classically aromatic and supple Cabernet show notes of mulberry and dried orange peel. The palate opens to mouth quenching cassis and fresh Sapphire plum, and elegant, silky tannins. The richness and power of this wine are balanced by beautiful freshness and finesse.

This wine is a blend of parcels from the cooler parts of Stellenbosch. One parcel is from 40-year-old, dry-farmed bush vine Cabernet Sauvignon, planted on deep alluvial soils of Firgrove. A further two parcels are planted on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, while the final parcel is sourced from the Polkadraai Hills, where the soils are decomposed granite.

he grapes were hand-harvested and destemmed to tanks. After about 4 days the indigenous yeast fermentation began, and the wine was pumped-over twice a day during this period. Temperatures controlled at below 28°C and fermentation lasted 10 to 18 days, followed by 3 weeks of extended maceration, after which the wine was drained and pressed to barrels. In the late winter, the wines were racked, then blended in spring and bottled after 20 months in barrel 500 litre French oak barrels (30% new).

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Vintage: 2020

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 13.5%

Size: 750ml 

Producer: Leeu Passant