Mullineux Leeu Passant - Chardonnay 2022
Born from the alliance between Mullineux's expertise and the vision of the Leeu Passant project, this 2022 Chardonnay embodies the most classic, refined, and gastronomic side of South African winemaking. The grapes come from carefully selected plots on cool, breezy hillsides, with predominantly granitic soils rich in stones. The climate, tempered by oceanic influence, allows for perfect ripeness without excess, resulting in wines of great purity, with a natural tension reminiscent of great high-altitude white wines.
The 2022 vintage is distinguished by slow and even ripening, ideal for Chardonnay. The grapes are hand-harvested in the early hours of the morning to preserve their aromatic freshness. After gentle pressing, the juice is transferred to barrels and demi-muids, where fermentation takes place using only indigenous yeasts. Extended but measured aging on fine lees adds structure, depth, and a subtly creamy texture, without ever overpowering the wine. The aim is to create a precise, elegant, terroir-driven Chardonnay, where oak remains a subtle, complementary touch.
On the palate, the nose opens with a fine and elegant aromatic profile. Initially, one perceives notes of ripe lemon, grapefruit, and lime zest, quickly joined by aromas of fresh pear, yellow apple, and white peach. These are followed by more complex nuances of white flowers, linden blossom, and verbena, culminating in a delicately buttery and nutty finish that testifies to the wine's skillful aging. A hint of damp stone and chalk underscores the minerality of this Chardonnay.
On the palate, the attack is direct and taut, driven by a fine acidity that lengthens the wine with great elegance. The mid-palate combines density and precision, with juicy fruit of lemon, pear, and white peach, enhanced by a touch of lemon cream and fresh almond. The texture is both silky and crystalline, the wine remaining weightless thanks to a well-defined mineral backbone. The finish is long and mouthwatering, marked by notes of citrus zest, toasted hazelnut, and flint, with perfectly integrated, noble bitterness that reinforces the sensation of freshness and great drinkability.
At the table, Mullineux Leeu Passant Chardonnay 2022 establishes itself as a true gastronomic white wine. It pairs magnificently with fine fish cooked to perfection, such as roasted sea bass, baked turbot, or pike-perch with lemon butter. Its tension and texture also make it an ideal partner for seared scallops, lobster, or langoustine roasted in semi-salted butter. On land, it shines with free-range poultry in a creamy morel sauce, roasted chicken supreme, poached veal in a light sauce, or asparagus and herb risotto. As for cheeses, it pairs beautifully with moderately aged pressed cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, or aged Cantal, balancing their richness with its freshness and minerality.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
