The 2016 Leeu Passant, Chardonnay, Stellenbosch was a Merchant's Pick
"Chardonnay Of The Year" • South African Surprise
October 20, 2019
World-Class
When you taste and write about hundreds of wines a year, it is a challenge to have one standout over another without sometimes sounding inauthentic.
We hope today's feature accurately conveys our first impression of the 2016 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay when we say: this Chardonnay is world-class!
Yesterday, we tasted this wine blind and selected it as a feature before we knew the press. It deserves every bit of its accolade, "Chardonnay Of The Year."
First Impression
Until we introduce short videos of our real-time first impressions (coming soon), here is what you can look forward to:
The aromas: pear, freshly cut green apple, lemon rind, and white flower;
The flavors: pear, apple, sea shells, citrus pith, lime, wildflower, menthol, a hint of mild-oak, nut and a dash of white pepper and spice;
The tension: bright and snappy with clarity, it touches every corner of the palate with superb acidity, which effortlessly lingers until the next sip;
The texture: an elegant white within each layer; a bit of chalky tannin gives the wine an unbelievable mouthfeel;
The conclusion: World-Class!