2017 Leeu Passant Dry Red Western Cape Mullineux Wines

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.

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.

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.

The 2017 Dry Red Wine offers fragrant, open-knit scents of crushed strawberry, maraschino cherries, orange pith and a background scent of potpourri, cohering with aeration. The palate has a well balanced, quite fleshy opening and silky-smooth red fruit. More tender than expected, with a caressing, almost Grenache-like finish. Delicious.