WeeklySA_AdminTuesday marked a particularly special day for the Le Riche family – Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon specialists for 28 years – when they released the 25th vintage of their esteemed flagship Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as three Single Vineyard Cabernet bottlings from an exceptional vintage.
Of the estate’s glorious association with Cab, Le Riche’s cellarmaster Christo Le Riche said: “This year, we are reflecting on our journey and celebrating the hero in our story – Cabernet Sauvignon. Vintages like 2021 don’t come along very often and we could not have wished for a more fitting vintage to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Reserve Cabernet, a statuesque expression of the very best we can produce. In addition, we decided to honour the exceptional vintage with three Single Vineyard bottlings – the Simonsberg, Steynsrust and Bosstok Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – to showcase the diverse terroir Stellenbosch offers. With only one barrel made of each, you are in for a Cabernet treat”.
Concurring with Christo Le Riche’s own impassioned sentiment has been no less an eminent international critic as Greg Sherwood, the master of wine who has scored the 2021 Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon a mighty 98+/100 at a pre-release tasting.
“This highly anticipated 2021 release, ‘a sensational benchmark’ comes hard on the heels of the highly rated 2020 and 2019 from Christo le Riche, and the impressive 2021 completes the trilogy of block buster vintages from this Cabernet specialist… Simply sublime, awesome even, and most definitely a vintage that will come to define premium quality Cabernet for years to come. A true classic that will richly reward bottle ageing,” says Sherwood.
Ever since the esteemed maiden 1997 vintage, the Le Riche family have been inextricably associated with Cabernet excellence.
ANOTHER COUP FOR SA FINE BRANDY
South African Brandy continues to stake its claim among the world’s premier drinks following a sterling performance by local brands at this year’s Intercontinental Spirits Challenge held in Kortrijk, Belgium. Producers of South Africa’s quintessential spirit bagged 11 highest at the awards, including a trophy for the Boschendal XO Potstill.
The Intercontinental Challenge annually singles out the best drinks of entries from across the globe, and made the announcement of its best-of-the-best just days ago.
The 11 accolades included a double gold for Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 10YO; Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 15YO; Oude Molen VS and Oude Molen XO. Gold was awarded to D’Aria The Piccolo Brandy; Sydney Back Potstill Brandy 25YO; 100 Reserve Premium Brandy; Oude Molen VSOP; Bayede! XO and Tokara XO Potstill Brandy. The latest achievements by South African brandy follow another feat – at the 2024 World Drinks Awards – when Van Ryn’s 15-Year-Old Potsill Brandy was awarded World’s Best Wine Brandy, for the second consecutive year.
“South Africa’s brandy masters have done us proud once again,” says South African Brandy Foundation director Christelle Reade-Jahn. “Through them, South African brandy’s legacy of excellence that has been refined over more than 350 years, just keeps getting better.”
“These spirits’ depth of flavour, complexity, and unparalleled quality enthralled the judges. The Boschendal XO Potstill, with its exceptional complexity, remarkable character, and finesse, stood out…”
In addition, South Africa’s DGB – the producer of Boschendal XO Potstill – was named Outstanding Producer as “a testament to [its] unwavering dedication to excellence, solidifying their reputation as a leader in the spirits industry”.
EVENTS
TROPHY WINE SHOW
The Johannesburg edition of the Trophy Wine Show Public Tasting at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton on June 12.
The show, brought by Investec, is a one-night only tasting of 2024 award-winning wines selected at this year’s competition. The wines are selected from a line-up of 1 000 wines judged ‘blind’ by a panel of judges chaired by wine personality Michael Fridjhon.
A total of 150 wines will be up for tasting and include Best Red, Best White, Discovery of the Show (Best Value) and the International Judges’ Trophy award. Show times are from 17:00 to 21:00. Tickets, available through Webtickets, costing R295 per person, include sampling of all wines, a delicious deli snack (value R100) and the tasting glass to take home. Discounts for Smart Shopper cardholders apply (two tickets for the price of one).
FRANSCHHOEK BASTILLE
Franschhoek is set to once again dazzle and delight as it gears up for another annual Bastille celebration on the Cape winelands town on July 13 and 14.
The Cape’s very own French outpost gears up for a weekend extravaganza of gastronomic delights, exquisite wines and all things French heritage. It will be held at the Franschhoek High School rugby field.
Renowned for its culinary prowess and world-class wines, the Franschhoek Wine Valley to immerse in the rich tapestry of French culture. Visitors indulge in the abundant wine tastings in the marque with food stalls and live entertainment. Advance ticket bookings are recommended. Tickets available through Webtickets.
SOWETO/STELLENBOSCH
EXPERIENCE
Gauteng wine lovers will be indulged with Stellenbosch’s prime selection of wines during two exclusive tastings billed for Johannesburg and Soweto on June 10 and 11.
The tastings – billed as “Stellenbosch Experience” – will bring a host of winemakers, winery owners and key ambassadors from the Cape winelands route to showcase 50 wines to the City of Gold. Among them will be Nongcebo Langa of Delheim, Danie Steytler from Kaapzicht, Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina Wines. The event on June 10 takes place at Sandton Sun Hotel, from 18:00 to 21:00. Tickets are R450 per person via Plankton. The masterclass with Dr Steyn takes place from 15:00 to 17:00. Tickets are R800 per person via Plankton. The June 11 event takes place at Just Badela in Orlando West, Soweto, from 18:30. Tickets are R330 per person via Plankton.
PRETORIA’S BEER FEST
Gauteng beer lovers are surely bracing themselves for festive frothy moments when the Capital Craft Beer Festival returns to its usual venue – the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens – on June 15.
The event celebrates 11 years of beer cheer. Buzzing crowds, bountiful brewers, the best local and international beer, an abundance of entertainment for all music tastes, and a diverse selection of food will be the order of the day. More than 40 beer brands will be available on the day. Entertainment will be provided from three stages, featuring acts such as Soweto String Quartet, Spoegwolf, Skeleton Jacket, Qadasi & Maqhinga and Springbok Nude Girls.
Ticket sales are spread over the dates: R300 until today; R325 up to June 14; and (subject to availability) R350 on the day.
