Critics Ratings

‘Co-fermented where possible, according to Chris Mullineux, this is the third vintage of this subtle, refined Western Cape cuvée of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 26% Cinsault and 18% Cabernet Franc. It's a very complete, self-assured wine with layered tannins, grassy red berry fruit, fine balance and crunchy acidity. A true modern classic. 2021-27’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2019, 96/100

‘This red blend of 56% Cabernet Suavignon, 26% Cinsautl and 18% Cabernet Franc spent 12 months in 500 litre barrels and around 10 months in neutral foudre. Explosive and expressive, this wine literally leaps out the glass to greet you. Hugely aromatic, it unfurls with intense black berry, red currant, bramble berry and raspberry jam nuances. Such opulence and freshness, on the palate there is an incredible balance and harmony. Fabulous layers of red and black berry, strawberry confit, sweet tobacco, leafy spice and the most alluring foresty bramble berry seduction. A truly beautiful, complex and expressive red blend that changes in the glass continuously. What a super classy red wine that really is worthy of its collectible fine wine status.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 95/100 (May 2019)

‘A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cinsault and 18% Cabernet Franc, there's an immediate draw to this wine's bouquet. A complex mix of fresh, snappy black cherry, cassis and plum is partnered with purple floral tones of pressed violet and carnation, all hit by licorice, clove and rooibos dust. The palate is like crushed satin, with ripe fruit flavors that are perfectly framed by fine yet supportive and structuring tannins that carry it all through to the enduring finish. It comes across more red fruited than black on the palate, with lingering notes of church incense and sweet spice on the back of the close. So lovely and layered, it's hard to pass up now but this should mature well through 2033.’ – Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 94/100 (Sep 2021)

‘This side project for Chris and Andrea Mullineux is named after the ‘lion passant’ which commonly featured in heraldry, roaming around with its front right paw raised. The Mullineuxs roamed the vineyards of Stellenbosch, Wellington and Franschhoek in search of fruit for this vibrant and expressive red blend. Tobacco, tapenade and blackcurrant characters offer a hint of things to come from this young wine; this is rich and textured and will benefit greatly from time in the cellar.’ – Chris Wilson, Decanter.com, 93/100 (Sep 2019)

‘Firm, concentrated and rich on the nose. The one wine of the four Leeu Passant reds I am tasting in this session that does smell and taste recognisably South African. Quite intense floral nose with marked sweetness. Nicely built. Quite punchy with direction and real structure and light tannins.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20 (May 2020)

Provenance

Private Client