{"title":"Leopards Leap","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"leopards-leap-culinaria-grand-vin-2021","title":"Leopards Leap Culinaria Grand Vin 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeopard’s Leap is based in the Franschhoek Valley, working with vineyards across the Western Cape to build layered, food-friendly wines. The Culinaria range is made specifically with the table in mind, aiming for balance, freshness, and structure rather than sheer power. Grand Vin is their more classical, Bordeaux-inspired red, drawing on cooler and warmer pockets of the Cape to combine ripe black fruit with a more old-world sense of shape and restraint. Careful oak maturation brings polish and fine tannin, used to frame the fruit rather than dominate it. The result is a modern Cape blend that feels serious enough for a special meal, but still approachable in youth. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour:\u003cbr\u003eDeep, opaque ruby with a youthful purple edge, suggesting concentration and a relatively young, cellar-worthy red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose:\u003cbr\u003eBlackcurrant and dark plum are at the core, backed by blackberry and a touch of red cherry. Subtle cedar, pencil shavings, and baking spice from oak add complexity, with hints of dried herbs and graphite giving a more classical, Bordeaux-like feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate:\u003cbr\u003eMedium to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and a well-defined structure. The black fruit continues on the palate, joined by hints of cassis, plum, and a savoury, almost tobacco-like note. Fresh, linear acidity keeps the wine focussed and food-friendly rather than heavy, while well-judged oak brings spice and length without overshadowing the fruit. It feels composed and age-worthy, yet already harmonious if you prefer a youthful, more vibrant style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish:\u003cbr\u003eLong, dry and persistent, with lingering blackcurrant, subtle spice, and a gentle graphite or cedar echo.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leopards Leap","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45185712324787,"sku":"RW2128BB41","price":165.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/RW2128BB41.jpg?v=1766150651"},{"product_id":"leopards-leap-special-edition-red-blend-2022","title":"Leopards Leap Special Edition Red Blend 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeopard’s Leap is a Franschhoek‑based producer that blends fruit from suited pockets of the Western Cape to create approachable, consistent wines. The Special Edition Red Blend is a Merlot‑led Bordeaux‑style cuvée made from carefully handled vineyard parcels (many on cooler slopes facing False Bay) and matured in French oak to add structure and spice without dominating the fruit. Winemaking is pragmatic and site‑aware: each variety is vinified separately, allowed through malolactic fermentation and then matured in 225‑litre French oak (a portion in first‑fill, the remainder in second\/third fill) for 16–18 months to build texture and polish. The result is a confident, food‑friendly South African take on a classic blend. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour:\u003cbr\u003eDeep, rich purple with bright red hues and good clarity.\u003cbr\u003ePacked with red fruits — ripe cherry, blueberry and cassis — with gentle sweet spice and subtle oak‑derived vanilla and toast. A faint savoury, herb‑leaf note sits behind the fruit. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate:\u003cbr\u003eMedium‑plus body with integrated blueberry and blackcurrant flavours, a smooth mid‑palate and elegant tannins. The Merlot and Cabernet backbone provide plush fruit, Cabernet Franc and the small Rhône\/boarder additions (Malbec, Petit Verdot) add lift and a hint of spice. The oak is supportive from the 16–18 months’ maturation, giving structure and a dry, rounded mouthfeel rather than overt woodiness. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish:\u003cbr\u003eLong, finishing on dark fruit, mixed spice and a dry, savoury edge that keeps the wine approachable with food.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leopards Leap","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45185712390323,"sku":"RW2202BR02","price":135.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/RW2202BR02.jpg?v=1766150721"},{"product_id":"leopards-leap-family-coll-heritage-blend-2022","title":"Leopards Leap Family Coll Heritage Blend 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeopard’s Leap Family Collection brings together carefully sourced parcels from across the Western Cape to create wines that express the region’s variety and generosity. The Heritage Blend uses ripe, concentrated Shiraz from Breedekloof to provide depth and dark‑fruit weight, with Grenache and Cinsault parcels from Paarl adding perfume, lift and early drinkability. Vineyard management is focused and pragmatic, and the cellar regime favours modest intervention and measured French‑oak maturation to provide structure and spice without masking varietal clarity. The overall aim is a well‑made, food‑friendly red that reflects Cape terroir in a straightforward, approachable style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour:\u003cbr\u003eVibrant purple with deep red hues and good clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose:\u003cbr\u003eDark plum and blackberry dominate, with a background of dried herbs and a subtle floral lift. Supportive oak contributes gentle spice and a touch of vanilla, while a hint of pepper and cocoa adds depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate:\u003cbr\u003eMedium‑plus bodied with ripe mulberry, black cherry and a core of mixed spice. The Shiraz supplies the primary fruit weight, while Grenache and Cinsault bring lift and aromatic finesse. Tannins are well defined yet supple, and oak is used judiciously to frame the fruit rather than overwhelm it. The wine is round in the mid‑palate, dry and structured for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish:\u003cbr\u003eLingering dark fruit and mixed spice with a dry, savoury edge that keeps the finish focused and moreish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leopards Leap","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45185712488627,"sku":"RW2228BR40","price":135.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/RW2228BR40.jpg?v=1766150808"},{"product_id":"leopards-leap-pardus-2022","title":"Leopards Leap Pardus 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeopard’s Leap is based in the Franschhoek Valley, drawing fruit from carefully selected vineyards across the Western Cape. This gives the team the freedom to blend cooler-climate freshness with warmer-area ripeness, a hallmark of modern Cape reds. The estate philosophy is straightforward: make wines that are generous, consistent, and easy to enjoy at the table, rather than technical trophies. Pardus is crafted in a clean, contemporary style, with careful use of oak to add shape and spice without overwhelming the fruit. It’s a good example of New World brightness anchored by a more classical sense of balance and drinkability. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour:\u003cbr\u003eDeep ruby with a youthful purple rim, suggesting a fruit-forward, relatively young red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose:\u003cbr\u003ePlum and black cherry lead, supported by notes of ripe blackberry. Underneath the fruit you’ll find a touch of baking spice, a hint of vanilla or mocha from oak, and a light herbal or savoury edge that keeps it from feeling too jammy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate:\u003cbr\u003eMedium-bodied with smooth, rounded tannins and a supple texture. The palate follows the nose with dark berry and plum flavours, lifted by subtle spice and a gentle chocolate note. Acidity is moderate, giving enough freshness to keep the wine lively without feeling sharp. Overall, it’s an easy-drinking, neatly balanced red designed for relaxed, mid-week drinking as much as casual entertaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish:\u003cbr\u003eMedium in length, with soft dark fruit and a lingering touch of spice and cocoa.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leopards Leap","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45185712521395,"sku":"RW2228BR41","price":255.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/RW2228BR41.jpg?v=1766150905"},{"product_id":"leopards-leap-special-edition-pinotage-2023","title":"Leopards Leap Special Edition Pinotage 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eLeopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, rooted in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley and founded by Hein Koegelenberg, is one of South Africa’s most recognised wine estates, known for approachable yet well-crafted wines that celebrate varietal character and regional expression. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eSpecial Edition Pinotage 2023 is part of the estate’s Special Edition range - wines crafted only in years when quality fruit allows something distinctive. Grapes for this Pinotage come from carefully selected bush-vine parcels across the Western Cape’s renowned dryland regions, and the wine sees 14–16 months’ maturation in a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak to add complexity without masking the vibrant fruit core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1717\"\u003eColour: Deep, rich purple with bright crimson edges - youthful and vibrant in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1717\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1719\" data-end=\"1901\"\u003eNose: A generous bouquet of mixed berry compote - think blackberry and plum - intertwined with soft nuances of vanilla and gentle oak spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1719\" data-end=\"1901\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"2185\"\u003ePalate: Juicy red and dark fruit flavours fill the palate, supported by structured, well-integrated tannins and a backbone of subtle spice and oak. The wine’s texture is plush yet focused, with an elegant rhythm from its balanced acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"2185\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2187\" data-end=\"2375\"\u003eFinish: The finish is smooth and persistent, with lingering berry notes and a touch of soft oak that carries through to a satisfying conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leopards Leap","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45185712783539,"sku":"RW2328PT30","price":135.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/RW2328PT30.jpg?v=1766151122"},{"product_id":"leopards-leap-sparkling-chardonnay-pinot-noir-nv","title":"Leopards Leap Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeopard’s Leap is based in the Franschhoek Valley, a Cape wine hub long associated with French heritage and a strong food culture. For the Leopards Leap Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV, the team sources fruit from selected Western Cape vineyards, blending cooler sites for freshness with slightly warmer pockets for ripeness and flavour. The style is deliberately approachable: a Charmat or tank-fermented sparkling wine with fine, lively bubbles, made to be easy to enjoy rather than overly serious. Chardonnay brings brightness and citrus, while Pinot Noir adds gentle red fruit and softness, giving a modern Cape sparkling wine that feels clean, crisp and very drinkable with or without food. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour:\u003cbr\u003eVery pale salmon to onion-skin pink, with a fine bead of lively bubbles and a clear, bright appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose:\u003cbr\u003eFresh red apple and strawberry lead, supported by citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. Behind the fruit there’s a hint of white peach and a soft, biscuity or brioche note from time on lees, adding a touch of complexity without losing the wine’s easy, fruit-forward feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate:\u003cbr\u003eLight-bodied and crisp, with energetic, fine bubbles that give a refreshing, ticklish mousse. Flavours of red berry, apple and a touch of stone fruit are balanced by clean, zesty acidity, keeping the wine dry to off-dry in impression and very refreshing. The texture is smooth rather than creamy, with enough flavour to stand up to canapés and light snacks while still feeling effortless as an aperitif.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish:\u003cbr\u003eShort to medium in length, with lingering red apple, strawberry and a gentle citrus lift that encourages another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leopards Leap","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45185712914611,"sku":"SWNV02SS04","price":120.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/SWNV02SS04.jpg?v=1766151185"},{"product_id":"leopards-leap-culinaria-chenin-blanc-2024","title":"Leopards Leap Culinaria Chenin Blanc 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeopard’s Leap is based in the Franschhoek Valley but sources fruit for the Culinaria range from carefully chosen vineyards across the Western Cape. For Culinaria Chenin Blanc, that usually means older vines and slightly cooler sites where Chenin keeps its natural acidity and develops layered stone-fruit and citrus flavours. The range is made with food in mind, so the winemaking aims for texture and detail rather than sheer ripeness: careful picking, a mix of stainless steel and older oak or large-format vessels in many vintages, and some time on lees to add weight and savoury depth. The result is a Chenin Blanc that bridges New World generosity – ripe fruit and approachability – with a more Old World sense of structure and subtlety. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour:\u003cbr\u003ePale to medium straw with a gentle golden tint, bright and clear in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNose:\u003cbr\u003eRipe pear, yellow apple and white peach lead, supported by lemon and subtle nectarine notes. Behind the primary fruit are hints of honeysuckle, soft spice and a light waxy or savoury note from lees contact or discreet oak, giving extra interest without feeling heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalate:\u003cbr\u003eMedium-bodied with a smooth, rounded texture and lively but not sharp acidity. Flavours of pear, baked apple and stone fruit are layered with citrus, a touch of quince and a gentle nutty or creamy edge. The mid-palate has good weight, making the wine feel satisfying at the table, while the freshness keeps it from becoming rich or cloying. Overall, it’s dry, balanced and quietly complex rather than showy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish:\u003cbr\u003eMedium to long, with lingering pear, lemon pith and a subtle savoury, almost almond-like note.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Leopards Leap","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45185713242291,"sku":"WW2440CB47","price":135.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/WW2440CB47.jpg?v=1766151351"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/collections\/leopards-leap.oembed","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}