Once again, this multi-ward Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve blend shines the light on premium Cabernet Sauvignon and the quality heights it is capable of in the venerated Stellenbosch region. Having tasted many highly respected “in bottle” Grand Cru Classé 2022 Bordeaux wines in the past months, it is fascinating to benchmark this wine with some of the finest examples produced. However, at circa £50 per bottle retail for the Le Riche, this wine really is one of the greatest premium Cabernet wines on the market at its price point.
A cool wet October and November 2021 saw above average rainfall leading to vigorous growth in the Stellenbosch vineyards which required extra work to manage canopies. January and February 2022 saw multiple heat spikes more in keeping with ‘more normal’ vintage conditions in the Cape. There was some variable ripening across plots ultimately leading to a fairly late, drawn-out harvest season which began slightly later than predicted. The resulting wines show density and concentration rather than heaviness with well-integrated harmonious acids and creamy tannins.
Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, WO Stellenbosch, 14.5% Abv.
This is another ambitious example of benchmark Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from the self-proclaimed “Kingdom of Cabernet.” Christo Le Riche was super excited by this new release with its opulence, ripe tannins, and hedonistic texture. Opened and decanted for two hours, this serious effort is initially incredibly saline and mineral driven with intense notes of graphite, cedar spice and iodine over wet tobacco, salty crème de cassis and oystershell nuances. With time in glass, the dark broody black currant, blueberry, and black cherry notes unfurl, following on to the palate that is texturally a hybrid style between the silky, weightless concentration of the 2017 vintage and the bold fleshy opulence of the 2020 vintage. But the Le Riche Reserve is always deceptively easy to drink when young, with its incredibly pure, intense, voluptuous fruit concentration masking its true tannin structure hiding beneath. Wonderfully fresh and tangy in the mouth, this is another majestic effort from one of South Africa’s finest premium wineries. Drink from 2026 to 2040+.
(Wine Safari Score: 96+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
The Le Riche Reserve Cabernet 2022 is currently available from South African specialist merchant Museum Wines on their pre-shipment offer.
Previous Le Riche Reserve Vintage Ratings on the Fine Wine Safari:
2022 – 96+/100
2021 – 98+/100
2020 – 97+/100
2019 – 97/100
2018 – 95/100
2017 – 97/100
2016 – 94+/100
2015 – 96/100