Benchmark every year, the 2019 is a truly sublime creation that is totally captivating from the moment you pull the cork.’ – Greg Sherwood, MW, 97/100
‘Pristinely perfumed’, ‘thrilling’, ‘superb’ are just some of the remarks from world-renowned critics about this wine. After opening a bottle of this wine last week, we couldn’t agree more.
Because you love great Cabernet as much as we do, here’s an opportunity to secure a few bottles for this December.
There’s no other producer in Stellenbosch as focused and dedicated to the ‘king of grapes’ as Le Riche. The Reserve 2019 is a towering, immense wine with chiseled tannins and ‘lots of drive and energy’, according to Tim Atkin MW. Synonymous with the best Stellenbosch Cabernets for more than two decades, Le Riche has created some of the region’s most age-worthy wines.
While the 2019 is drinking superbly now, it offers at least another decade of ageing.
For pricing and availability, please email lauren@winecellar.co.za
Tasting Notes:
‘This is a wine I have been looking forward to tasting for some time. Benchmark every year, the 2019 is a truly sublime creation that is totally captivating from the moment you pull the cork. This year’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a vineyard blend of grapes sourced from around Stellenbosch, including 46% Firgrove, 26% Helderberg, 15% Simonsberg and 13% Raithby, which were matured in 92% new French oak for 24 months. The aromatics on this pure Cabernet Sauvignon are incredible – lifted, complex and pristinely perfumed with violets and rose petals over saline crème de cassis, iodine and kelp, blueberry and black currants, sweet cedar spice and subtle mineral graphite undertones. Sometimes you just strike gold on a red wine where you find it difficult to move past the bouquet because it’s so expressive, animated and complex. The palate too has a beautiful density and piercing concentration but is also one of the first 2019 blockbuster reds that makes me think of the top premium 2017 Cabernets with their weightless fruit concentration and ethereal complexity. The fruit is so beautifully pinpoint and focused with hints of oyster shell, black cherry and maritime salinity over black berries, bramble berries and creamy, silky soft ripe tannins that envelop the palate. This is simply a monumental effort from Christo Le Riche and most definitely one of those wines that forces you to buy a case even when you know you already have enough wine maturing in the cellar. Irresistible! Drink the 2019 now after a short decant on and over the next 20+ years.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 97/100
‘Reserve status only given if quality is there, & 2019 is a knockout. Parcels from Firgrove, Raithby, Simonsberg & Helderberg vinified separately, blended after a year. Thrilling density of cassis fruit, ensconced in powdery tannins, that cassis line driven right to the finish. Opulent & generous, power & great freshness too. Also in 1.5 & 3L.’ – Platter’s Guide, 5* (96/100)
‘The nose shows cassis, violets, tilled earth, pencil shavings and oak spice while the palate is full-bodied but balanced – a dense core of fruit is matched by fresh acidity and firm tannins, the finish wonderfully long and dry. A statuesque wine that also has drive.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100
‘Featuring the lowest alcohol level since 2004 – the 2019 vintage was late and wet in Stellenbosch – this superb, layered Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is based on Firgrove fruit, with support from Jonkershoek, Raithby and Simonsberg components. Aged in 92% new oak, it’s a structured, dense, finely judged red with graphite and pastille flavours and lots of drive and energy. 2024-32’ – Tim Atkin, MW, South African Special Report 2022, 95/100
