A Stellenbosch classic from one of the Cape’s star Cabernet producers.

Le Riche is a family run estate founded by Etienne Le Riche in 1996. Their 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. They work strictly with organic viticultural practices (though not certified), maintaining healthy soils and minimum spraying to ensuring their growers form part of the local Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) system.

This Cabernet is expertly crafted from 4 specifically diverse terroirs, from the cool gravelly slopes facing False Bay to the rich red granitic soils around Stellenbosch. After a few months ageing, the final blend is made and the wine spends 12 months in French oak barriques, 25% new, before bottling

A pure varietal nose with fine cassis and black cherry aromas and notes of violet and cedar spice. The palate is ripe and fruit forward with nice depth of fresh blackcurrant fruit and fresh acidity. Well-integrated oak and fine-grained tannins support the lengthy finish.

Try with slow-cooked lamb shank or a rich and savoury beef or veggie stew.

2022 vintage 93 points in Tim Atkin’s 2024 South Africa Report.