Nestled in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines is home to some of South Africa’s finest wines. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains and vineyards, this is the perfect setting for a day of elegant wine tasting.
The ultimate in luxury, this wine estate is sure to impress from the moment you arrive. The entrance to the estate greets you with manicured gardens of shrubs, tree-lined driveway as well as eye catching bronze sculptures.
The estate was originally named Mullineux Family Wines. They have since partnered with Analjit Singh— adding ‘Leeu’, meaning lion in Afrikaans, and the Sanskrit derivation of Singh.
The tasting room aka The Wine Studio is a lovely space, with glass windows looking through to the barrel cellar and elegant couches to relax and enjoy wine tasting in style. It was designed by a Spanish Architect, Tomeu Esteva, who wanted to create the ultimate environment in which to taste fine wines.
The Kloof Street and Mullineux ranges such Chenin Blanc, Syrah and various Rhone cultivars, are produced on the Roundstone Farm in the Swartland. The wines from this range reflect the true essence of the Swartland region, with grapes best suited to the terroirs they are planted in. It’s fragrant, elegant, fresh, great balance and purity of fruit.
The Leeu Passant wines are made at the estate in Franschhoek. The grapes are sourced from vineyards both in Franschhoek and other exciting sites in the Western Cape. The wines are inspired by the distinct culture, terroir, taste and history of the Cape.
There are three different tasting options to choose from – The Mullineux Signature Tasting, The Mullineux Single Terroir Tasting and the Leeu Passant Tasting, which allows you to taste the Estate’s Flagship Leeu Passant Dry Red and Stellenbosch Chardonnay.
The wines are served in elegant glasses made from Gabriel-glas. The Gabriel-Glas was designed by renowned Swiss wine critic René Gabriel, who set out to produce a ‘One for All’ glass that would complement everything from Champagne to red wine. The Gold edition glasses are mouth-blown, weighing only 90g, while the Standard glasses are machine-molded and are slightly heavier and more robust.
Mullineux Signature Tasting
KLOOF STREET CHENIN BLANC 2019
From 38 – 43 year old vines in different parts of the Swartland. Naturally fermented with 85% in tank and 15% in old French oak barrels.
With a nose of of sun ripened pears and white flowers, the palate has a vibrant acidity balanced by a soft and round texture.
MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE 2019
This is a blend that consists of Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Semillon Gris, Macabeo and Verdelho. From up to 72 year old vineyards on the Kasteelberg, Paardeberg and hills around Malmesbury.
Naturally fermented and aged in old French oak barrels for 9 months, 20% new. This fragrant wine has characteristics of floral nose with notes of orange blossoms and apricots. The richly textured palate is balanced by a fresh, vibrant acidity, and flavours reminiscent of peach, grape fruit and hints of spice.
KLOOF STREET ROUGE 2018
It’s a blend thats consists of Syrah, Tinta Barocca, Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan. From special parcels in the Swartland, naturally and aged for 11 months in old French oak barrels.
The fragrant nose has undertones of red fruit, roses and hints of spice. Each variety in the blend adds balance to the wine, filling your palate. Cinsault brings perfume, Carignan brings freshness, Grenache and Tinta Barocca bring tannin and the Syrah ties it all together.
MULLINEUX SYRAH 2017
From sustainably farmed vineyard parcels in different parts of the Swartland. 50% whole bunch fermented and aged 14 months in French oak, 15% new.
This perfumed Syrah has notes of spicy citrus rind, refined black fruit, violets and lillies. The palate is elegant and restrained yet with good body and a silky texture balanced by a fresh, natural acidity. The finish is long with subtle tannins.
MULLINEUX STRAW WINE 2018
From Chenin Blanc grapes. Picked at normal ripeness, grapes are dried outside until half raisined, concentrating sugars, acids and flavour. Bright yellow gold in colour with a rich, viscous appearance.
This is a complex, enticing blend of dried peaches, lemons and grapefruit with a hint of ginger. The intense mouthfeel is balanced by a clean, fresh and very long finish.
While physical travel may be on pause, for now. Why not create a post-lockdown bucket list and add Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines on your list to visit. The wines are as elegant as the estate itself. You certainly won’t be disappointed.
Categories: Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
