Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Back in May, the 2018 vintage of the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch cellar Le Riche rated 92 points in the category report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient.

It consists of grapes from across Stellenbosch, 31 % Firgrove, 31% Jonkershoek, 24 % Raithby, 12 % Simonsberg and was matured for 24 months in French oak, 76% new. Revisiting it again recently, my tasting note was as follows: Red and black berries, rose, some leafiness, earth and oak spice on the nose while the palate is full bodied and well balanced – great fruit expression, bright acidity and firm but fine tannins, the finish long and dry. Price: R780 a bottle.

Winemaker Christo le Riche is now also embarking on special bottlings each year to showcase Stellenbosch Cab “in a more focussed and detailed way”. To accompany the Reserve, two small-batch bottlings as follows:

Le Riche Ocean Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Price: R780
From Firgrove and Raithby vineyards requiring  an earlier pick. Maturation as for the Reserve. Aromatics of red and black berries, mint, cigar box and chocolate while the palate is plush and full of flavour – dense fruit and smooth tannins. Total production: 500 bottles.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Le Riche Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Price: R780
From Jonkershoek and Simonsberg vineyards requiring a later pick. Cassis, some leafiness and turned earth on the nose while the palate is seamess with great depth of fruit to go with lovely freshness and powdery tannins, the finish long and dry. Total production: 300 bottles.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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