A Stellenbosch classic from one of South Africa's top Cabernet Sauvignon producers, this expertly crafted wine comes from four diverse terroirs. Awarded 93 points by Tim Atkin in his 2024 South Africa Report, it showcases the region's top-tier winemaking.
The wine presents a pure varietal nose with aromas of cassis, black cherry, and hints of violet, balanced by cedar spice. On the palate, ripe blackcurrant fruit is supported by fresh acidity, integrated oak, and fine-grained tannins, leading to a long, smooth finish.
Le Riche is a family run estate founded by Etienne Le Riche in 1996. Situated close to the historic town of Stellenbosch, the winery is perched on the slopes of the Heldeberg Mountain and surrounded by the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountain range. Le Riche are known as ‘Cabernet Masters' and rightly so. They select grapes from the best possible Stellenbosch terroirs to craft top quality Cabernets with superb cellaring potential. These wines are elegant and classy with fine grained tannins and subtle oak integration, and while not aiming to be Bordeaux replicas, they do have much in common with the balance and poise sometimes found in top Margaux.
The fruit is hand-harvested from diverse vineyard sites in Stellenbosch, including the cool, gravelly slopes facing False Bay and the rich, red granitic soils of the Jonkershoek ward. The different terroirs bring complexity and unique character to the wine.
Each vineyard block is vinified separately in open-top fermenters to preserve its distinct flavors. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barriques, with 25% new oak, before blending and bottling to achieve balance and depth.
Try with slow-cooked lamb shank or a rich and savoury beef or veggie stew.
