The prestigious 40th Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Auction will feature the second release of the Leeu Passant Franschhoek Hillside Cabernet Franc from the 2022 vintage. This follows the debut of its maiden 2021 vintage, which achieved a record price of R25,000 per six-bottle case at last year’s auction.
Leeu Passant, owned by Andrea and Chris Mullineux in collaboration with Indian businessman Analjit Singh, operates on Singh’s Leeu Estates property in Franschhoek. The winery, established a decade ago, is renowned for its commitment to producing distinctive and terroir-expressive wines.
The Franschhoek Hillside Cabernet Franc holds a special place in Leeu Passant’s portfolio. The vineyard, planted on the east-facing slopes of Leeu Estates, benefits from cooler morning sun, ensuring a gradual and even ripening process. According to Andrea Mullineux, “The vineyard’s aspect and sun exposure enhance phenolic ripening, which helps create a Cabernet Franc with balanced freshness, density, dark fruit, and fragrance.”
The quality of fruit from this vineyard has quickly gained recognition, earning the CWG seal of approval for auction. Mullineux reflects on her experience with South Africa’s diverse terroirs and the excitement of discovering the unique qualities of Cabernet Franc grown at Leeu Estates. “It is an honor to have our wine selected by the CWG for auction,” she says.
Mullineux also highlights the winery’s regenerative farming approach. The vineyard features a permanent cover crop of diverse fynbos species, which supports a thriving environment and enhances the expression of terroir. “This integration with nature provides a distinct environment for the vineyard,” she notes.
The 2022 Cabernet Franc was fermented with natural yeast and aged in two 500-liter barrels for 22 months before bottling. Mullineux describes the wine with artistic rather than classic terms, likening it to “Casta Diva,” an aria from Bellini’s opera Norma, which invokes tranquility and harmony.
Analjit Singh, co-owner of Leeu Passant, expresses pride in the wine’s selection for the CWG auction. “It is a tremendous honor for one of our wines to be chosen, reflecting Andrea’s exceptional vision and winemaking skills,” he says. Singh, who has been involved with the South African wine industry since 2010, values the CWG’s reputation and the opportunity to showcase Franschhoek’s rich wine heritage.
Both Singh and Mullineux are proud to contribute to the legacy of Franschhoek wines at this esteemed auction.
