Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Dry Red Wine Red Wine - Liquid Scout

Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Dry Red Wine

£144.23
Sale price  £144.23 Regular price  £192.86
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Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Dry Red Wine Red Wine - Liquid Scout

Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Dry Red Wine

Red Wine | 2017 | 14.50% | 150 cl | South Africa

A rich and refined Dry Red Wine 2017 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Cinsault, offering vibrant red fruit aromas, subtle floral and spice notes, and a smooth yet structured palate. Perfectly balanced with elegant tannins and a lasting finish.

£144.23
Sale price  £144.23 Regular price  £192.86
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description

Experience the elegance of Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Dry Red Wine 2017, a distinguished blend meticulously crafted in the heart of Stellenbosch, South Africa. This wine showcases a harmonious amalgamation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Cinsault, derived from historic vines that signify the region's rich viticultural heritage.

Key highlights include:

  • Sourced from over 38-year-old, dry-farmed bush vines planted in deep alluvial soils, ensuring a unique terroir expression.
  • The heritage of Cinsault from wineries established in 1900 and 1932 enhances the complexity of the blend.
  • A high-altitude vineyard location for Cabernet Franc infuses the wine with lifted aromatics.
  • A meticulous fermentation process promoting aromatic lift and structure, resulting in an exceptional tasting profile.
  • Aged for a robust 12 months in French oak barrels, contributing to its refined character and mouthfeel.

The tasting notes present an enticing experience:

  • The nose captivates with a complex bouquet of fresh black cherry, cassis, and plum, layered with pressed violet petals and nuanced hints of licorice and dusty rooibos.
  • The palate reveals a medium- to full-bodied profile enriched with firm, structured tannins, flavors of blackcurrant, mulberry leaf, and spiced peppercorn.
  • A long, dry finish unfolds with persistent notes of dark berries, accompanied by subtle warmth and complexity.

For optimal enjoyment of this exquisite wine, consider the following serving suggestions:

  • Serve slightly chilled at 14-16°C in large balloon glasses to enhance its fruit and spice profile, ideal for warm evenings or outdoor gatherings.
  • Pair with smoked meats or BBQ ribs, seasoned with a spicy rub, to beautifully complement its bold character.
  • Create a vibrant salad dressing by crafting a red wine vinaigrette with a splash of this wine, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs.
  • Use this wine as a poaching liquid for plums or cherries, serving over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
  • Present it in a rustic decanter during a dinner featuring grilled eggplant and medleys of root vegetables.
  • Incorporate into a rich mushroom risotto for an exceptional depth of flavor by adding a ladle halfway through cooking.

With a history steeped in tradition and a commitment to quality, the Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Dry Red Wine 2017 offers an experience that is both sophisticated and rewarding.

Tasting notes

This dry red wine delivers a medium- to full-bodied experience marked by rich aromas of mulberry leaves, cassis, and cedar, leading to a structured palate with firm tannins, peppercorn hints, and a long, layered finish. It offers a balanced, satisfying complexity that lingers pleasantly.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex bouquet of fresh black cherry, cassis, and plum layered with pressed violet and carnation petals, underscored by subtle hints of licorice, clove, and dusty rooibos. Cedar and mulberry leaf notes add an earthy, aromatic depth woven with a faint herbal spiciness and a touch of minerality.

Palate

A medium- to full-bodied wine with a firm, structured texture featuring grainy tannins that wrap around flavors of blackcurrant and mulberry leaf, sharpened by peppercorn spice and softened by a lingering, dry tobacco finish.

Finish

A dry, layered finish unfolds with persistent dark berry richness, subtle peppercorn spice, and a tobacco-tinged warmth, extending into a thoughtful, satisfying length with velvety tannins.

Key features
Producer Leeu Passant
ABV 14.50%
Bottle Size 150 cl
Bottle Packaging Wooden Box
Country South Africa
Region Stellenbosch
Vintage 2017
Closure Natural Cork

Dietary Notes

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Sustainable
Serving suggestions

- Serve slightly chilled (about 14-16°C) in large balloon glasses to highlight its fruit and spice perfect for warm evenings or outdoor gatherings.
- Pair with smoked meats or BBQ ribs seasoned with a spicy rub to enhance its bold character.
- Create a red wine vinaigrette by whisking a splash into olive oil Dijon mustard and fresh herbs for a vibrant salad dressing.
- Use as a poaching liquid for firm summer fruits like plums or cherries then serve over vanilla ice cream with fresh mint.
- Present in a rustic decanter during a cozy dinner party featuring grilled eggplant and root vegetable medley.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel or a cinnamon stick for an aromatic touch when serving slightly warmed at winter fireside events.
- Incorporate into a rich mushroom risotto by stirring in a ladle halfway through cooking to deepen the umami notes.
- Use leftover wine to make a red wine reduction sauce drizzled over seared steak or aged cheddar crostini for an elegant appetizer.

Storage advice

For optimal storage of red wine (such as a 2017 dry red in a 150cl bottle) the key practical recommendations are:

- Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature around 55°F (13°C). A safe range is between 45°F (7°C) and 65°F (18°C) but stability is crucial to avoid rapid aging or slowing aging processes.

- Humidity: Keep relative humidity between 60% and 70% to prevent corks from drying out or developing mold. Avoid humidity below 55% which risks cork shrinkage and oxidation and above 80% which can promote mold growth on labels and corks.

- Light exposure: Store bottles in a dark place with minimal lighting. Red wines are sensitive to light especially UV and direct sunlight which can degrade tannins and flavor compounds. Use soft ambient light only when accessing bottles.

- Sealing: Ensure the cork remains moist by maintaining proper humidity. Do not remove or disturb the cork until ready to open. For opened bottles reseal tightly with a wine stopper or vacuum seal to minimize air exposure and oxidation.

- Bottle position: Store bottles horizontally so the wine stays in contact with the cork keeping it moist and airtight. This prevents the cork from drying out and shrinking.

- Special storage tips for 150cl bottles: Larger formats may age more slowly due to less oxygen per volume ratio but otherwise follow the same environmental conditions. Because of their size ensure stable secure shelving to prevent tipping or rolling.

- Opened bottle considerations: Refrigerate opened red wine after resealing to slow oxidation and consume within 3–5 days for optimal quality.

Following these guidelines will help preserve quality and prolong shelf life for dry red wines in large bottles.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that the vintage and other product information provided on our website or in our materials for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is based on data supplied by the manufacturers and distributors. While we strive for accuracy, this information may occasionally be outdated or incorrect due to updates or changes made by the suppliers that have not yet been communicated to us.

Therefore, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the vintage, product descriptions, or other details provided.

Crucially, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding allergens, ingredients, nutritional content, and specific product details, we strongly advise you to ALWAYS carefully check the product labels on the physical bottle or packaging you receive.

Supplier information is subject to change without our direct knowledge, and discrepancies may occur. We are committed to providing the best possible service and information, but the responsibility for verifying critical details, especially those related to health, allergies, and dietary requirements, rests with the consumer upon receipt of the product.

By proceeding with your purchase, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and agree that we shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies in the vintage or other product information provided that originated from our suppliers.

Thank you for your understanding.

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Savor our exceptional drinks responsibly. The misuse of alcohol has serious consequences. For guidance visit https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

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