Le Riche new releases

Christo le Riche refers to the “hour-glass structure” of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is to say that it can lack mid-palate and hence why Merlot with its roundness is so often used as a blending partner. Le Riche, however, is committed to working with Cabernet Sauvignon alone, working with multiple sites across Stellenbosch in order to arrive at the most complete wine possible. “It’s part of the challenge and part of the fun,” he says.

The new releases include the so-called Small Batch Series, a three-pack of single-vineyard wines. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Chardonnay 2022
Price: R350
Grapes from Helderberg foothills and Polkadraai Hills. Matured for 11 months in oak barrels (25% new) and clay pots. Lemon, orange and vanilla on the nose while the palate is rich and full. Sound but somewhat lacking in nuance. Alc: 13.82%.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

Richesse 2022
Price: R230
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cinsault, 9% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 7% Merlot.Matured for 12 months in 225-litre barrels before blending and being matured for a further eight months in 225-litre barrels, 5000-litre foudre and concrete tanks. Attractive aromatics of red and black berries, floral perfume and a hint of leafiness. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Alcohol is 13.82% and this an altogether elegant drop.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R390
Matured for 11 months in 225-litre barrels, 12% new. Fragrant aromatics of flowers, some leafiness and red berries. The palate is again medium bodied with good freshness and powdery tannins – fruit forward and soft in the best sense. Alc: 14.28%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Price: R1,050
From Helderberg (67%) Simonsberg (22%) and Jonkershoek Valley (11%). Matured for 24 months in 225-litre barrels, 75% new. Red and black berries, some leafiness, violets and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate has great fruit definition, fresh acidity and chalky, mouth-coating tannins. Forceful but simultaneously not short of energy.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Small Batch Series

Simonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Price: R1,050
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 2004. Cassis, incense and violets on the nose while the palate shows good fruit depth and bright acidity to go with firm but fine tannins. Well balanced – luscious on entry, dry on the finish. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Steynsrust Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Price: R1,050
Grapes from a Firgrove property planted in 1997 and subsequently uprooted. Red and black berries, violets, herbs, earth, vanilla and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate has an austerity about it –  linear and fresh with very dry tannins. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Bosstok Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Price: R1,050
Grapes from an untrellised Helderberg vineyard planted in 2008. Black berries, earth and liquorice on the nose. The palate is immensely powerful – super-concentrated fruit and firm tannins but not completely at the expense of freshness. Alc: 15.2%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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