Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Bottle size: 750ml
South Africa, Stellenbosch
R1,100
Winemaking Legend - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023
‘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
'Classic Cabernet aromas of blackcurrants, brambles, dark cherry and hints of violet are supported by a vibrant nose. Lead pencil shavings and cedar aromas compliment the overall complexity and sophistication. A powerful entry showcasing sweet, ripe black fruit balanced by full, structured tannins. A lingering finish and beautifully rich mouthfeel alongside appetising acidity reveals great maturation potential and an underlying elegance.' – Winemaker
'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
'Classic Cabernet aromas of blackcurrants, brambles, dark cherry and hints of violet are supported by a vibrant nose. Lead pencil shavings and cedar aromas compliment the overall complexity and sophistication. A powerful entry showcasing sweet, ripe black fruit balanced by full, structured tannins. A lingering finish and beautifully rich mouthfeel alongside appetising acidity reveals great maturation potential and an underlying elegance.' – Winemaker
Condition | New |
---|---|
Winemaker | Christo Le Riche |
Alcohol | 14.19% |
Blend information | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Drink to | Long-term cellaring |
Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Rating | GS 97 |
Technical analysis | RS: 1.6 g/l | TA: 5.9 g/l | PH: 3.68 |
Producer information | Le Riche was founded in 1996 by Etienne le Riche, one of the founding members of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG). Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, it is now run by Etienne’s son, Christo and daughter, Yvonne. Le Riche are known for premium red wines in a classic South African style. Grapes are selected from top growers in Stellenbosch, coming from mainly two soil types – decomposed granite soils and sandy gravel. The winemaking approach is traditionally simplistic, yet innovative. |
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FREE SHIPPING:
Available on all orders over R1,500, excluding event tickets. The expected delivery times are the same as 'Standard door-to-door' below.
STANDARD DOOR-TO-DOOR:
Shipping fees are calculated on the delivery ‘street code’ provided during checkout.
- Cape Town & surrounds: 1 – 2 working days
- Joburg, Pretoria, PE & Bloemfontein: 3 – 4 working days
- Durban & regional areas: 4 – 5 working days
COLLECTION (Cape Town only):
Orders are available for free collection at our Cape Town office only. You will be notified as soon as your order is ready for collection.
CELLARING:
Wine Cellar offers professional wine storage at our premises in Cape Town. If you are not an existing cellaring client, please view our rates and set up an account by visiting our cellaring page.
JOHANNESBURG ONR:
For this special overnight road service, orders must be placed before 13h00 SAST. The order will be delivered by the close of business the following working day.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:
We use a third party courier for international shipping. Please contact info@winecellar.co.za for the rates and delivery options.
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