Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 vs Stefano di Blasi Poggio di Guardia 2021

Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

World-class Cabernet Sauvignon consistently rated as one of South Africa’s benchmark wines, renowned for elegance, complexity, and aging potential. This Reserve represents the very best grapes from Le Riche’s top vineyards, meticulously selected and crafted to express the unique terroir of Stellenbosch. Meet the producer Le Riche is a family-run estate founded by Etienne Le Riche in 1996, situated near the historic town of Stellenbosch. The estate is celebrated for producing premium Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals, combining meticulous vineyard management with traditional winemaking techniques to deliver exceptional wines. Production Grapes for this Reserve are sourced from multiple prime vineyard sites: 60% from the Helderberg Coastal area, influenced by summer sea breezes and duplex granitic soils; 25% from the Simonsberg with high-altitude soils at 300m, afternoon sea breezes, and north-west aspects; 8% from Helderberg North with north-facing mountain slopes and deep granitic soils; and 7% from Jonkershoek valley floor, with alluvial sandstone soils. Only hand-selected grapes from older, lower-yielding vines are used. Fermentation occurs with selected yeast under controlled temperatures, with manual plunging to ensure optimal colour extraction. After 7 days, tanks are closed for extended maceration of 16–24 days. The wine is then pressed and transferred to 72% new French oak for natural secondary fermentation. After one year, individual batches are blended and returned to barrel for another year. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, then matured in bottle for one year before release. Tasting notes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of plum, blackberry, cherry, violets, and cassis are complemented by hints of cedar and allspice. The palate is lively yet structured, with firm acidity, polished tannins, and subtle lead pencil complexity. Elegantly balanced with underlying weight, this Reserve offers a long, lingering finish and excellent potent