South African & International Fine Wine
Live Auction, 14 September 2019
Session Two
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
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.
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship of Le Riche and the very best expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon with production of just 250 cases.
Provenance
Wine Cellar
Critics Ratings
‘Loads of wonderfully ripe black fruits are interspersed with roasting spices in the aromatics of the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. This broad, deep, medium-bodied wine is crammed with flavors reminiscent of candied dark berries, asphalt, mint, and spices. Its long, seamless finish exhibits copious quantities of fine, supple tannin.’ – Pierre Rovani, Wine Advocate 89/100 (2005)
‘A 2004 review of the first five vintages of this bastion of classical elegance yielded 97 & 01 as favourites, worthy of cellar space. Current O2 (4*), reflecting the vagaries of a lighter harvest, is easier, for drinking while 01 – still a concentrated sleeper evolves & grows.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2006, 4*