Leeu Passant
Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2017
Burgundy | South Africa
About the SessionSession 1showcases South Africa's world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, drawn largely from the cool-climate vineyards of Hemel-en-Aarde, Elgin and Stellenbosch. Producers such as Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Crystallum, Newton Johnson and Restless River sit alongside established names like Rustenberg, Tokara and Meerlust, reflecting the strides South African fine wine has made over the past two decades. It's an excellent opportunity to acquire benchmark bottlings from the country's most sought-after estates.
LOT 20
Leeu Passant
Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2017
About this Item
Provenance
The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.
For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.
Critics Ratings
'Pure & fine 2017 has subtle citrus complexity, discreet white peach fleshiness, hint perfumed oak. Incredibly well crafted, totally unforced, all elements moulded into cohesive whole, hallmark savoury conclusion. For ageing many years. Barrel fermented, wholebunch, year in 225/500L oak, 30% new, unfiltered. Also in 1.5L.'- Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (97/100)
'From a Helderberg vineyard 400m above sea level. Matured for 12 months in 225-litre barrels, 30% new. A very expressive nose with a top note of blossom before lemon and grapefruit plus a hint of reduction. The palate has lovely depth of fruit, coated acidity and a super-long, salty finish. It's a beautifully judged wine with great poise and detail and my favourite vintage to date.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 (Jun 2019)
'Racy and savoury and very well done. Long and classy and I suspect this would withstand comparison with many a white burgundy at the same price.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Oct 2019)
'Single vineyard on the maritime slopes of the Helderberg where temperatures seldom rise above 28 degrees C. One of the rare sites that the Mullineux's actually have to wait for the acidity to drop before picking. The aromatics are pure and lifted expressing the usual crystallinity of the style and site. Bottled in October 2018, the wine is still super youthful, taut and fresh but with a touch of creamy malo to take the edge off the electric acidity. Beautifully intense and citrus driven, the wine has a wonderful textural balance and freshness with incredible poise and focus. Long and pin point, superb harmony and purity, this wine has impressive salinity and tart lemon / lime brilliance and brightness to invigorate the palate. A great effort.' - Greg Sherwood MW, 95+/100 (May 2019)
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