Christo Le Riche intends Le Riche Reserve to always be ‘the best expression of Stellenbosch cab that we possibly can put together’ and thus the exact make-up of vineyards changes with the vintage. It is really important for him ‘that the total outshines all of the parts.’ In the 2025, the final blend – finalised in June 2026 – comprises vineyards in Raithby (32%), the northern Helderberg Mountain slope (32%), Firgrove (26%) and Simonsberg (11%). The low-lying vineyards of Raithby and Firgrove, in the Greater Helderberg area, see the most maritime influence due to their proximity to False Bay. This is a dense, layered rendition of Le Riche Reserve with rich black plum and blackcurrant fruit, supported by intense cedar and toast character from 63% new French oak. ‘The fruit wants the oak this vintage,’ Christo says, and it has absorbed it effortlessly, already seamlessly melting together. For all the fruit intensity, there is a saline minerality here which brings a satisfying dry savouriness to the back palate. The tannins are utterly gorgeous, coated in fruit, deceptively approachable. Bottling will take place in April 2027, after a second year of barrel ageing in 70% new French oak. This is a magnificent Le Riche Reserve. Le Riche was established in 1996 by Etienne Le Riche, ‘estate-winemaker-turned-garagiste,’ after two decades of making wine at Rustenberg. Christo, his son, was helping with the punchdowns at the winery’s open-top concrete fermenters when he was as young as 14 years’ old and is now head winemaker. Cabernet sauvignon specialists through and through, Le Riche have an intimate knowledge of the diverse cabernet terroirs of Stellenbosch, working with and sourcing from over a dozen growers across the region. Drink from 2032 to 2050. 14.5%
