Le Riche new releases

Le Riche Wines, established in 1996 by Etienne Le Riche and now run by his son Christo and daughter Yvonne, has built a formidable reputation as one of South Africa’s leading Cabernet Sauvignon specialists. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Richesse 2023
Price: R280
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cinsaut, 10% Cabernet Franc. Matured in older 225-litre barrels for 12 months, the components then blended and further matured in 225-litre barrels, 5 000-litre foudres and concrete tanks for a further eight months. Nuanced aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos, flowes and subtle spice. The palate is beautifully composed – pura and precise, with a vivid line of acidity and fine-grained, almost powdery tannins. There’s real clarity and detail here, the finish long and dry. Not showy, but quietly convincing in its balance and intent. Alc: 13.8%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Price: R390
Grapes sourced from across Stellenbosch. Matured for 22 months in barrel, 13% new. Cassis, rose, subtle leafiness and a touch of pencil shavings on the nose. The palate is broad with moderate acidity and well managed tannins, the finish gently savoury. Clean and correct, though it could do with a bit more mid-palate heft – comes across as accessible, even a touch underpowered. Alc: 14.61%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Cabernert Sauvignon Reserve 2022
Price: R1,150
Grapes sourced from across Stellenbosch: 60% Helderberg Coastal, 25% from Simonsberg, 8% Helderberg North, 7% Jonkershoek. Matured for 24 months in barrel, 72% new. Black cherry, cassis, some leafiness and violets plus hints of vanilla, pencil shavings and earth. The palate is full-bodied but not too opulent of plush – pure fruit, fresh acidity and supple tannins, the finish long and dry. Structured without excess, this is a finely judged effort. Alc: 14.46%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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