On the 3rd of June 2024, the Le Riche family – renowned specialists in Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon for the past 28 years – celebrated a momentous occasion. It marked the release of the 25th vintage of their esteemed flagship, the Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. That is alongside three Single Vineyard Cabernet bottlings from an exceptional vintage.
Reflecting on their journey, winemaker Christo Le Riche (the torchbearer of this legacy) says: “This year, we celebrate the hero in our story – Cabernet Sauvignon. Vintages like 2021 don’t come along very often, and we could not have wished for a more fitting vintage to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Reserve Cabernet, a statuesque expression of the very best we can produce. In addition, we decided to honour this exceptional vintage with three Single Vineyard bottlings – the Simonsberg, Steynsrust, and Bosstok Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – to showcase the diverse terroir Stellenbosch offers. With only one barrel made of each, you are in for a Cabernet treat.”
Since their inaugural vintage in 1997, the Le Riche family has been synonymous with Cabernet excellence. In fact, they are internationally acclaimed for their ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon. They have meticulously crafted the ultimate expression of this varietal from the Stellenbosch Winelands of South Africa. Now, the Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the celebrated 2021 vintage promises to be another benchmark of excellence.
Master of Wine, Greg Sherwood praised the 2021 Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, scoring it a remarkable 98+/100 at a pre-release tasting. The vintage follows the highly rated 2020 and 2019 releases, completing a trilogy of blockbuster vintages from this Cabernet specialist.
Over 25 vintages, the Le Riche Reserve Cabernet has earned widespread acclaim, including ten Platter’s pinnacle five-star ratings, Platter’s Red Wine of the Year award, and various Cabernet of the Year awards. The 2020 vintage received a ‘Best in Class’ accolade at the Decanter World Wine Awards and earned 99 points from UK wine critic, Tim Atkin.
Christo Le Riche, who has taken over the reins from his legendary father Etienne, describes the 2021 vintage as potentially one of the Cape’s best-ever. He anticipates it will compete as one of the greatest, boasting elegant fruit, excellent acidity, outstanding colour and texture and full ripe flavours balanced by firm tannins.
For the Le Riche family, crafting the definitive expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is a steadfast dedication. They meticulously select and source only the highest-quality fruit from the region’s best terroirs. Their winemaking style emphasizes minimal interference, allowing the exceptional terroir to shine through, resulting in wines of great elegance and class.
The new vintage Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is now available. It’s undoubtedly another outstanding flagship Cabernet from the exceptional wine producer, showcasing the art of blending special Stellenbosch terroirs. The wine is expressive with fresh plums, blackberries, cherry, violet and cassis, grounded in classic cedar and graphite notes. It is a sophisticated, elegant wine with powerfully firm, polished tannins and a remarkable acid-fruit balance. According to those who know it best, it is ideal to enjoy with a great steak, especially fillet or rump, on the coals or grilled. You can find it at the Le Riche Cellar, specialist wine stores and online.
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