New Release: Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021
Le Riche Family Wines is about to release its latest vintage of the Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021 on 3 Juen 2024. Congratulations are also in order as this release marks their 25th vintage. Making it an excellent private cellar addition.
Since the debut of their maiden vintage in 1997, the Le Riche family has been synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon excellence in South Africa. Now, as they commemorate their 25th vintage, they proudly present the highly anticipated 2021 Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. They have also released three exceptional Single Vineyard Cabernets. Set to launch on June 3rd, 2024, these wines mark another milestone in the family's legacy. A tribute to crafting world-class Cabernets from the Stellenbosch Winelands of South Africa.
A Tradition of Excellence:
For over two decades, the Le Riche Reserve Cabernet has garnered widespread acclaim, earning ten Platter’s pinnacle five-star ratings. As well as prestigious awards such as Platter’s Red Wine of the Year. Their 2020 vintage, for instance, secured a 'Best in Class' accolade at the Decanter World Wine Awards. This further solidifies Le Riche's status as a purveyor of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.
Craftsmanship and Terroir:
The Le Riche family's dedication to crafting the definitive expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is evident in their meticulous winemaking process. They source grapes from select vineyards across Stellenbosch, each contributing unique terroir characteristics to the final blend. With minimal interference in the winemaking process, Le Riche allows the exceptional terroir to shine. This results in wines of great elegance, consistency, and maturation potential.
The 2021 Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Vintage:
Master of Wine Greg Sherwood hails the 2021 Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as "a sensational benchmark," awarding it a mighty 98+/100. Christo le Riche, who now leads the multi-generational winery, describes the 2021 vintage as a tannic masterpiece with elegant fruit and great ageing potential. This release promises to be a stellar investment for Cabernet enthusiasts, boasting a delicate balance of power and elegance.
Vineyards and Winemaking:
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 vineyard blocks were micro-vinified separately until final blending.
Fermentation in open-top concrete fermenters, manual plunging to ensure optimal colour extraction, extended maceration to increase age-ability and the use of high-quality French oak (70% new) ensure the pedigree of this distinguished wine.
After a year in barrel, the individual batches were blended to form the final wine and returned to the barrel for another year before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine matured in a bottle for another year before release.
Tasting Notes:
A wine in true Cabernet style, it is massively expressive with fresh plums and blackberries, cherry, violet and cassis grounded in classic cedar and graphite notes, which are mirrored on the palate. The wine is brooding and dense yet sophisticated and elegant. The structure is powerfully firm with polished, fine-grained tannins and a remarkable acid/fruit balance. The palate is rich, velvety and opulent yet remarkably fresh with a lively purity and a creamy mouthfeel. The wonderfully long, complex finish showcases the great potential for maturation.
Food Pairing:
The Le Riche family best enjoy their flagship Cabernet with a great steak, especially fillet or rump, on the coals or grill.
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.
The 2021 Single Vineyard Cabernets:
In addition to the Reserve, Le Riche introduces three Single Vineyard Cabernets, each showcasing the diversity of Stellenbosch terroir. From the trellised slopes of Simonsberg to the coastal vineyards of Helderberg, these wines offer a nuanced exploration of Cabernet Sauvignon's potential.
Le Riche Simonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
This trellised single Simonsberg vineyard was planted in 2004 in deep red decomposed granite soils. After fermentation for 21 days in concrete open-top fermenters, spontaneous malolactic followed in 225L French oak barrels, after which the wine was transferred to 50% new French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by another 12 months in a single new barrel. The wine was then racked and bottled. Inviting aromas of blackberry, cassis and brambles jump out of the glass followed by hints of spice and black pepper. The palate showcases red and black pastilles coupled with fresh black fruits, a vibrant acidity, a fine yet gripping tannin structure, a creamy mouthfeel and a long and rich finish.
Le Riche Steynsrust Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
This trellised Firgrove single vineyard was planted in 1997 in deep red decomposed granite soils. After fermentation for 17 days in an unlined concrete tank, spontaneous malolactic followed in 225L French oak barrels, after which the wine was transferred to 50% new French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by another 12 months in a second-fill barrel, after which the wine was bottled unfiltered. Fresh cherry aromas and spearmint play alongside a mint chocolate complexity on the nose. The aromas are mirrored on the palate with overall elegance exuded throughout. A chalky tannin coupled with balanced acidity ensures an appetising, juicy edge. A Cabernet Sauvignon brimming with flavour yet with a delicate underlying elegance and a refined, long finish.
Le Riche Bosstok Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
This Helderberg coastal single bush vine vineyard was planted in 2008 in duplex sandy gravel soils with a deep clay layer. After fermentation for 10 days in a concrete open-top fermenter, spontaneous malolactic fermentation took place in the barrel, followed by ageing in 225L French oak barrels (75% new) for 24 months. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Densely dark purple in the glass, this brooding wine displays intense black fruit aromas and savoury all spice notes. A full-flavoured black fruit palate showcases blackberries, cassis, allspice and some liquorice. Big and bold on the palate yet with a striking overall lightness. Gripping tannins are softened by a creamy mouthfeel promising maturation potential. A showcase Cabernet!
Purchase the 2021 Le Riche Single Vineyard Cabernets: A three-bottle pack of the Le Riche 2021 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, showcasing the diversity of Stellenbosch terroir, will be available for purchase, from the first week of June, at the Le Riche Cellar and online at www.leriche.co.za for R1050 per bottle.
Meet the Winemaker: Christo Le Riche:
Following in his father's footsteps, Christo has rapidly gained recognition as a Cabernet Sauvignon pioneer. His passion for Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon drives Le Riche's quest for excellence, ensuring the continuation of the family's legacy for generations to come.
Christo explains:
“For 28 years we have made it our business to produce the definitive expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. Pursuing a steadfast dedication to the veritable ‘King of Grapes’ and the ‘Crown Jewell’ of the Stellenbosch wine region. We meticulously select and source only the highest-quality fruit from the best possible terroirs that Stellenbosch has to offer. A close network of established wine farmers based in the Stellenbosch wards of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg is who we partner with. We also work with the upper and lower foothills of the Helderberg Mountain. Every ward or region showcases vastly different terroir characteristics, adding compelling complexity to our wines. Following our ethos of quality, elegance and consistency, our winemaking style is orientated around crafting the best Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignons. With minimal interference, letting the exceptional terroir speak for itself. The resulting wines show great elegance and class, consistent superb quality and maturation potential.
For our Reserve, final blending by our team forms the key step in determining the style and character of our flagship wine. Reserve status is only endowed if the grapes and resulting wine measure up to our exceptional standard. This year we are also releasing three Single Vineyard Cabernets, (only 300 bottles of each) to help tell the story of Stellenbosch and the amazing diversity this region offers."
Visit Le Riche Wines:
Located in Raithby, Stellenbosch, the Le Riche Cellar welcomes visitors to explore their range of premium wines. Tastings are available by appointment, offering an opportunity to experience the heritage and craftsmanship behind each bottle.
As the Le Riche family celebrates 25 years of winemaking excellence, they invite wine lovers to join them in raising a glass to the timeless tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon craftsmanship in the heart of Stellenbosch.
Contact Information:
- Address: 8 Raithby-Annandale Road, Raithby, Stellenbosch
- Email: wine@leriche.co.za
- Tel: 021 842 3472
- Website: Le Riche Wines
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