Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Region: Stellenbosch

Tasting note:

‘This highly anticipated 2021 release comes hard on the heals of the highly rated 2020 and 2019 from Christo Le Riche, and the impressive 2021 completes the trilogy of block buster vintages from this Cabernet specialist. Unwinding in the glass, the aromatics show delicately musky, perfumed notes of white flowers, crème de cassis, blueberries, black berries and freshly tilled earth hints that mingle with notions of dried herbs, thyme and fresh mint leaf, dried peach skins over graphite, granite dust and delicate dark chocolate cocoa spice nuances. The palate is beautifully silky and creamy, full and broad yet velvety soft and plush, voluminous but delicately elegant, finely detailed and weightlessly concentrated. Tight and compact, seductively seamless in the truest sense with an incredibly integrated acid fruit balance, a lively purity, and supple sweet tannins on the long, piercing finish. If 2019 had the muscle and power and 2020 the seductive elegance, balance, and accessibility, the 2021 is a stand apart expression, as unique as the vintage itself. Simply sublime, awesome even, and most definitely a vintage that will come to define premium quality Cabernet for years to come. A true classic that will richly reward bottle ageing. Drink on release and over the next 20 to 30+ years.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 98pts

‘From Helderberg (67%), Simonsberg (22%) and Jonkershoek Valley (11%). Matured for 24 months in 225-litre barrels, 75% new. Red and black berries, some leafiness, violets and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate has great fruit definition, fresh acidity and chalky, mouth-coating tannins. Forceful but simultaneously not short of energy.’ – CE 96pts

‘Classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of fresh plums and blackberries, cherry, violets, and cassis. The aromas are wonderfully inviting with lively freshness. An appetising entry on the palate with firm acidity complemented by polished, fine-grained tannins. Remarkably balanced with integrated lead pencil shaving flavours and a long, lingering finish. Elegance; with underlying weight promising maturation potential. A stellar investment in satisfaction for any Cabernet enthusiast!’ – Winemaker