On Monday I attended the pre-release tasting of the Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, presented by iconic father & son duo Etienne and Christo le Riche.
“We make wines that showcase and express Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon.” Cellarmaster, Christo le Riche
Since the prestigious maiden vintage in 1997, the Le Riche family has become synonymous with exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The highly sought-after Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the pinnacle of their collection, epitomises the outstanding quality that Le Riche consistently delivers.
In the vineyard & cellar: The 2021 vintage marked the 25th vintage of this wine being produced! The season started off fairly cool with good sunlight, resulting in a long but even ripening period.
The Cabernet grapes were scrupulously selected from best performing vineyard parcels sourced from the Stellenbosch wards of Helderberg (67%) Simonsberg (22%) and Jonkershoek Valley (11%).
The drawn out vintage meant for more time and available cellar space - a winemaker's luxury! This in turn, resulted in more individual fermentation batches, increasing the possible blending components.
After one year in 75% new barrels, the components were blended. Followed by another 12 months in oak, after which the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
My Review:
Brooding aromas of expressive black cherry and blackcurrant, sandalwood and graphite. Juicy bramble fruit rounds out the palate, layered with hints of nutmeg and tobacco. Full bodied, opulent and concentrated with fine grained, grippy tannins, although superbly polished and elegant. A masterpiece expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon.
Not quite as accessible as 2020 but in my humble opinion, a superior wine!
Purchase: The Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 will be available for purchase, from the first week of June, at the Le Riche Cellar, specialist wine stores nationally and online at www.leriche.co.za for R1050 per bottle.
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