2018 Leeu Passant Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch Mullineux

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon has a fragrant bouquet of dark berry fruit, Earl Grey and light wet clayey aromas, quite complex and engaging. The palate is very well defined and classic in style, with a lightly spiced opening and white pepper and sage developing later. There is just the right amount of dryness toward the finish to get the saliva flowing. Classy.

Offering dusty notes of black cherry, fern and savory herbs, the 2018 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon walks the line between floral, herbaceous and dusty red fruit aromas in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is ripe with delightful expressions of graphite and pencil shavings before a firm, mineral tension frames the fine-gripping tannic structure. As the wine sits in the mouth, it offers just-ripe dark red and black fruit flavors compounded by notions of bitter dark chocolate over the savory, mineral-laced finish. I suspect this will drink better with additional bottle age. Give it some time.