Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Christo le Riche of Le Riche Wines is remarkably forthright about the 2020 vintage saying that it delivered “less structure but good flavour development” compared to the stellar 2019.

Le Riche says his Reserve is intended as “the best expression of Stellenbosch Cab that we possibly can put together”, 65% of the grapes for the 2020 sourced from Helderberg Coastal (three vineyards in the vicinity of Firgrove and Raithby), 22% from Simonsberg and 13% from Helderberg while maturation lasted 24 months in oak barrels, 76% new. Alc: 14.97%.

The nose shows red and black berries, fresh herbs, tobacco, some smoky reduction, pencil shavings and oak spice while the palate has luscious fruit, bright acidity and fine-grained tannins – great depth but not quite as well-honed as its immediate predecessor. Happily for fans, volumes are up from 4 500 bottles in the case of 2019 to 12 500 bottles. Price: R940 a bottle – due out in July.

CE’s rating: 94/100.