Leeu Passant Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

The Leeu Passant 2022 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon comes from dry-farmed bush vines. The vineyard is one kilometer from the Chardonnay and 100 meters lower in elevation. This slight difference makes for a very different growing environment that is dictated by ocean breezes and wind. Strong winds are, in fact, part of the terroir, says Andrea Mullineux. That's why bush vines are so low in South Africa. This vineyard nook remains a little warmer during the last phase of ripening, resulting in rich and concentrated flavors. Tannin management is very important to UC Davis-trained winemaker Andrea Mullineux. She seeks tannins that are buildable with chalky silkiness. She does extended macerations to polymerize the tannins. She ages in 500-liter barrel for the first year (with 30% new oak) followed by upright 5,000-liter wooden vats. The tannins go in a better direction once the wine goes into barrel, she says. This is a velvety Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh fruit tones, spice and crushed stone. It delivers a long-lasting, medium-plus texture, and you definitely will remark on the elegant chalkiness of the tannins. Drink date: 2025-2038. (Monica Larner,robertparker.com,June 5, 2025)