Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2015

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

'They are priced at the same level, but I prefer this Chardonnay of the two new Leeu Passant releases. Sourced from a vineyard on the False Bay side of the Helderberg, it's a saline, ocean-influenced style with lovely elegance, lift and focus, subtle oak and a refreshing, palate-cleansing finish. 2018-25.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100

'This is a blockbuster wine. Sweet green quince, crunchy pears and pineapple pastille fruits, Bon Bon green apple crunch and subtle hints of struck match reductive complexity and gravelly, saline pithy fruit. Incredible acidity showing real power and drive, and incredible precision. High acid, bottled at 8 TA. Also such subtle, considerate oak use, fine integration of fruit and acids and again, like the Elandskloof version, finishes bone dry and elegantly restrained. A very impressive, complex Meursault'esque Stellenbosch Chardonnay illustrating the grandeur and terroir of this premium SA region. Superb… A must buy for Chardonnay obsessives!' - Greg Sherwood MW, 95+/100 (Mar 2017)

'Matured for 12 months in 228-litre barrels, 30% new. A dramatic yet beautifully poised wine. Citrus blossom, lemon and orange plus spice on the nose. Huge fruit concentration and driving acidity (total acidity is an astounding 8.1 g/l). Layers and layers of flavour.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 (Mar 2017)

'Gently mineral reductive stoney note. Crisp apple and citrus. Smoky and cool and stunningly fresh and definitely more citrus than on the Swartland Chenins - a real stony character, very dry and chalky finesse. Extremely tight and bone dry and so fresh.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (May 2018)

'The 2015 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay had a similar analysis to the Elandskloof Chardonnay, but this had a quicker alcoholic fermentation and maintained a higher level of acidity, because of the difference in terroir. It is matured for 12 months in about 30% new oak. Now, this is a dead ringer for Burgundy with hints of almond and walnut infusing the citrus fruit, the reductive soil bringing to mind growers that employ a reductive style of winemaking. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, harmonious in the mouth with a pleasant sour lemon note that marries beautifully with the white peach and nectarine notes on the finish. Delicious, in a single prosaic word.' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Apr 2017)