Description
Le Riche is the master of modern Cape Cabernet, skillfully blended here with Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. This wine is fresh, vibrant, and approachable, over-delivering in quality, complexity, and elegance.
Meet the producer
Le Riche is a family-run estate founded by Etienne Le Riche in 1996, situated close to the historic town of Stellenbosch in South Africa. The estate is renowned for producing modern, expressive Cabernet-based wines that balance power, elegance, and accessibility.
Production
Grapes were carefully selected and hand-picked from vineyards in Firgrove, Jonkershoek, Helderberg, Bottelary, and Raithby. Each variety was fermented separately until dry in traditional open concrete tanks, with regular manual plunging. Following malolactic fermentation in tank, the wines were matured in French oak barriques for 12 months. After blending, the final wine spent an additional 8 months in barrique and foudre. No fining and minimal filtration preserve the wine’s purity and freshness.
Tasting notes
Fresh, vibrant aromas of raspberry and blackcurrant are complemented by hints of cedar and white pepper. The palate mirrors these notes with succulent red cherry and plum flavours, enhanced by fine, chalky tannins that create a silky texture and a long, delicate finish. Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and complexity, while Cinsault adds perfume and approachability.
Food match
Perfect with meaty pasta dishes, rich stews, or slow-cooked casseroles.
Awards
2021 Vintage – Decanter World Wine Awards 2023: Silver
Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon 57%, Cinsault 19%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Petit Verdot, Merlot
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