| Country: | South Africa |
| Region: | Franschhoek |
| Winery: | Leopard's Leap |
| Grape Type: | Chenin Blanc |
| Vintage: | 2011 |
| Bottle Size: | 750 ml |
Babylons Peak Chenin Blanc is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc.
Babylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character.
The Chenin Blanc grapes were picked from very old dryland bushvine vineyards. The vineyard grows on weathered granite soils, contributing to the flavor of the grapes and mineral character of the wine. Production is limited to 5 tons/ha.
The grapes were harvest by hand at 22.1°B. The grapes were destalked and lightly crushed. Only the first 450 litres free-run juice per ton were fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cold temperature (10-12°C) for 21 days. The wines was left on the fermentation lees until bottling.
A crisp, fresh and fruity Chenin Blanc from low-yield dryland bushvines.
Pairs with salads, seafood, chicken and other light dishes. The perfect wine for every occasion.
Babylons Peak Chenin Blanc is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc.
Babylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character.
The Chenin Blanc grapes were picked from very old dryland bushvine vineyards. The vineyard grows on weathered granite soils, contributing to the flavor of the grapes and mineral character of the wine. Production is limited to 5 tons/ha.
The grapes were harvest by hand at 22.1°B. The grapes were destalked and lightly crushed. Only the first 450 litres free-run juice per ton were fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cold temperature (10-12°C) for 21 days. The wines was left on the fermentation lees until bottling.
A crisp, fresh and fruity Chenin Blanc from low-yield dryland bushvines.
Pairs with salads, seafood, chicken and other light dishes. The perfect wine for every occasion.
Riebeek Chenin Blanc is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc.
As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, the Riebeek Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike.
Packed with upfront tropical fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries. The pallets follows through with fruit flavors, balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.
Grapes came from both bosstok and trellised vines with some of the vineyards as old as 46 years. Fermentation was done at lower than usual temperatures to capture the fresh fruit flavors.
Very accessible and suited to almost every occasion, the Riebeek Chenin Blanc never disappoints.
The Royal Chenin Blanc Old Vines Steen is 100 percent Chenin Blanc.
As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike. Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.
Enjoy well-chilled as a lovely crisp glass on its own but ideal for al fresco dining and with light summer fare. Beautiful with salads, anti pasti and seafood.
The Royal Chenin Blanc Old Vines Steen is 100 percent Chenin Blanc.
As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike. Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.
Enjoy well-chilled as a lovely crisp glass on its own but ideal for al fresco dining and with light summer fare. Beautiful with salads, anti pasti and seafood.
Carra Beaujolais Blanc Pierres Dorees is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The nose shows step by step floral and fruity aromas. A vanilla hint in the end with a lingering finish: those are typical Chardonnay aromas.
Leopards Leap Chenin Blanc is made from 100% Chenin Blanc.
Wine Style: Unwooded, fresh style with bottle maturation. Vinification: Whole-bunch pressed, settled and cold fermented with extended lees contact. Fermentation takes place at optimum temperatures. Grapes are sourced from the Perdeberg region, outside Paarl.
Alcohol percentage: 13.5 %
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.2
Residual Sugar: 1.9 g/L
Total Production: 6,600 cases
With its abundance of fruit and the brightness of sunshine, this Chenin Blanc is a remarkable reflection of the African continent. Showing layers of ripe tropical fruit and nutty undertones, combined with a zesty freshness, it embraces the friendliness of the Cape Winelands. Exceptionally versatile, this wine compliments soups, seafoods and white meats, to salads and after-dinner snacks such as olives and cheese.
The Leopards's Leap Estate
Situated at the most southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is a country rich in diversity, a nation steeped in history, and one with a bright future. Agriculture is one of the country’s principal industries, and its rich culture of winemaking spans 300 years. Today, one of the best ways to experience South Africa’s unique heritage is by tasting its world-class wines. Leopard’s Leap is based in the picturesque town of Franschhoek, situated in the heart of South Africa’s winelands, located in the Western Cape province. An hour’s drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek is not only home to some of the country’s finest wine estates, but is also considered to be the culinary capital of South Africa.
The Name Leopard's Leap refers to the Cape Leopard and the efforts of the winery to reinstate the Cape Leopard.
"We are a proud sponsor of the Cape Leopard Trust, a NGO aiming to optimally facilitate conservation of the Cape region's predators, in particular the endangered Cape mountain leopard.
Cape mountain leopards fill the role of apex predators in the Western Cape ecosystem and act as an 'umbrella species' to control the numbers of smaller predators. In effect, they thus help with the conservation of other species by maintaining this balance. By simultaneously implementing conservation strategies, research projects and tourism initiatives, the trust works tirelessly to conserve these beautiful animals."
The Leopards's Leap Vineyards
We at Leopard’s Leap understand that the first thing the everyday consumer looks for when selecting wine is price. That is why we pride ourselves on producing excellent quality wine at affordable price points. Our winemaker, Eugene van Zyl, selects the best grape varietals from the Cape Winelands region, and strives to create wines that are high on quality and can compete with the best of South African wines. Our philosophy embodies creating wines that are popular with all palates and easy to drink, but does not compromise on quality, and can be served at a widevariety of social occasions. Leopard’s Leap produces three ranges. The premium Family Collection is at the top end, and with its sleek black, gold and red labels, these wines are perfect for special occasions. The elegant Classic Collection boasts a wide variety of well-structured wines that all pair exceptionally well with a wide selection of food. The Lookout Range is more fun-loving and is perfect for everyday drinking and as a companion to social events.
Argot Simpatico Ranch Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Powerful aromas of key-lime, white flowers, orange blossoms and a fierce, flinty, sauvage note define a wildly complex nose. Once in the mouth, gracefully pronounced textures coat the palate delivering an exotic interpretation of cool-climate Chardonnay character — lime peel, orange blossom, ginger and clove —lingerings deep into a vibrant finish.
Planted 1978. Shallow volcanic soils on the gently-sloped, south-facing foothills of Bennett Peak on Bennett Valley’s floor. One of California’s coolest Chardonnay vineyards. In the final year of 3-year draught cycle, Simpatico Ranch saw its earliest ever harvest and smallest crop, exposing a reserve of exoticism and minerality previously untapped. A watershed vintage for both the vineyard, and appellation. Night harvested by hand on 9/16, whole-cluster pressed direct to barrel; no settling to ensure maximum lees contact. Barrel fermented on heavy lees. Malolactic fermentation. 16 months in French oak, 50% new. Finished 2 months in steel tank, low Sulphur during barrel elevage.
Review:
The 2021 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch needs a lot of swirling before it shoots from the glass with notes of lemon tart, orange blossoms, candied ginger, and fresh nectarines with hints of crushed rocks, struck flint, and nutmeg. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers amazing tension, with tight-knit citrus and spice layers and a fantastically well woven satiny texture, finishing long and layered. "We only get about 1.5 tons per acre here," said owner/winemaker Justin Harmon. "This comes from old vines on AXR rootstock."
-Wine Independent 97 Points
Gosset Grande Reserve Brut is made from 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier.
The color is bright and golden, the nose open and expressive, and the palate is dominated by a refreshing mineral tension.
Gosset Grande Reserve is a truly faithful expression of the Gosset style. To achieve a cuvee of this quality, the cellar-master has blended the best of the various champagne crus at the grape- harvest with wines specially chosen from our reserve stocks for their richness and maturity.
This champagne is the perfect accompaniment to mild and subtly spiced dishes with cooked fruit, sweet/savory dishes or tajines. A blend of three vintages, the Grande Réserve Brut is adaptable by nature — from apéritif to dessert.
Review:
The nose opens with the fresh ripeness of yellow apple and highlights of Granny Smith. It has beautifully subtle autolysis on the palate, deepening into notes of creamy apple crumble, Golden Delicious and Mirabelle plum, while remaining utterly strait-laced. Elegance, length and absolute freshness are inherent and quietly convincing.
-Decanter 94 Points