Monday, June 03, 2024

Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Tasting at Upper Union Restaurant

The Le Riche Vintage tasting was held at new venue to us, in Upper Union Street, just off Kloof Street in Oranjezicht

Christo Le Riche is very happy with the new vintage and invited us to taste its wines and some older wines from Le Riche
It is always a treat, as they really do know how to make the very best of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
Until now, all their grapes have been sourced from premium farms in the Stellenbosch area,
with very varied terroir, climate and growing conditions
Some vineyards have supplied them for many years and they have a good relationships with them all
Two vineyards have been planted next to the Le Riche wine cellar, which is on the Raithby-Annandale Rd
and they will be added to a future vintage
Their aim is the "pursuit to crafting quality-focused wines that are detailed in approach and reflective of their terroir"

They also make a Chardonnay; the vintage we tasted was 2022
Richness, golden fruit and a hint of smoke on the nose, which repeats on the palate with length and depth
Flavours of lime, white peach, nectarine and lots of golden oak
The wine is aged for 11 months in a combination of clay amphorae and French oak barrels

The venue

The tasting line-up

Christo gave us lots of valuable information about each wine, where in Stellenbosch it was farmed and how it was made

Le Riche Richesse 2022 is a Stellenbosch Heritage blend of wine
It is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, incorporating Cinsault
and smaller amounts of Bordeaux cultivars such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot
Raised in older 225L oak for 12 months, the components are then blended and further matured in 225L barrels,
5000L oak foudres and concrete tanks for a further 8 months
It represents a time-honoured tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon production within the Stellenbosch region,
where blending with Cinsaut was prevalent pre-1980 and blending with Bordeaux varieties became popular post 1980
The wine was inspired by father Etienne's time as winemaker at Rustenberg
A classic Stellenbosch Cabernet blend. Dark cherries and berries on the nose and palate at first,
Wood support but shyly, then cranberry, cassis and mulberry follow. Very easy to quaff and pair with food

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is shy at first, it then opens with a very attractive nose,
followed by cassis berries and leaves, some umami hints and wood in the background
On the palate, a silky, lovely textured wine follows. Loaded with dark berry fruit, elegance and complexity
Still young but it has far to go

Next, three Cabernets of the 2021 vintage, but from different Stellenbosch areas
The 2021 Simonsberg Cabernet has a good nose with such richness and depth verging on red velvet;
intriguing ... "what will follow on the palate?"
A classic cabernet sauvignon. Full of dark, rich fruit, so enjoyable with grippy tannins holding it for long aging
Excellent wooding, just the style we like to drink and cellar

The 2021 Steynsrust Cabernet has coffee oak, minerality, fruit comes later, cassis and smoke,
the violets arrive last on the nose
Sweet and sour fruit in balance; complexity, chalky tannins with some grip, cassis, fruit, violets, length,
this also has the bones to last. 
The 2021 Bosstok Cabernet. Another classic Cabernet nose full of dark berry fruit and perfume, some smoke whiffs
followed by ripe red berries. Licorice wood on the palate
Lots of salty minerality followed by silky berry fruit, loong flavours and good wood on the end

And then the wine most discussed and admired on the day
The 2021 Reserve Cabernet is so well made and shows what  a great vintage this is
Beautiful berry fruit, richness, complexity; ethereal wood supports
On the palate, some salty minerality and licorice, but in perfect balance with the wood, tannins and superb cassis fruit
"Wow" was heard. It delivered the perfect mouthful of delicious well-managed fruit with freshness
Drinking so well now, but it has so much potential. Tannins are soft and present but part of the package

The 2013 Cabernet was dark with a pink rim and lots of legs
Smoke, berries - red and black - and it suddenly opens up to give a blast of beautiful fruit
Silky smooth on the palate then another hit of berry fruit with some lasting acidity
Black cherries, cassis to the fore, it tastes young! Such quality with chewy chalky tannins on the end
This still has lots of time. It calls for food

A great opportunity to be able to taste the 2001 Reserve Cabernet, we must have sold this in our shop when released
The grapes were from Jonkershoek and Eendrag. This was Etienne's fourth vintage of Le Riche Cabernet
Dark with pale red edges and legs
Overripe berries at first on the nose, smoky wood, then perfume, vanilla, violets and complexity
Integrated fruit wood and tannins on the palate all melding together
Lasting well, but a little lighter in texture. Another food wine

It was such a good tasting

Enjoyed by the audience of wine trade and media

And Etienne le Riche dropped in to say hello at the end. He still keeps a watching brief and acts as an advisor to his son

Well-matched food was served. This was a crisp toasted slice of pumpkin bread topped with rich duck liver paté

It was followed by some sliced picanha beef topped with a chilli chimichurri

All our stories can be seen in the Blog Archive near the top of the column on the right


Posted by MENU at 11:59 am 0 comments

Monday, May 06, 2024

In MENU this issue Arco Laarman wake, Alto lunch and tasting, Catherine Marshall wines

Only three stories for you this time. One, a sad occasion but a celebration of a life cut short. And two wine experiences with beautiful South African wines. We think you’ll enjoy them. As always, click on the photographs and headlines to open the full stories

Arco Laarman wake at Kaapzicht

Arco Laarman was a well-known, well-liked and respected winemaker who died recently. We were invited to his wake which was held at Kaapzicht wine estate in Bottelary. This was not a sad occasion, more a celebration of a life well lived and a fine career very sadly cut short. It was attended by many of his family and friends, so many of us associated with the wine industry. Arco Laarman was only 49 and at the peak of his career, making great wine under his own label, having spent many years working at Glen Carlou before going out on his own and succeeding so well. A sad loss. Read on…

Lunch with wine tasting at Alto, Stellenbosch

An invitation from Barend Barnard, Sales & Marketing Manager of Alto wine estate, to visit the farm and taste the wines was quickly accepted. We tasted the wines over a very good lunch in their restaurant. The views are spectacular and the atmosphere is sophisticated and sooo relaxed. Read on…

Trade wine tasting of Catherine Marshall wines

A tasting we always look forward to. Catherine Marshall is one of our best wine makers. Modest to a fault, she works tirelessly to make superb wines. For those in the know, they are an essential and a joy. You will find her wines in all the best restaurants and wine emporiums. We are always excited to taste her new vintages. Her tasting room and winery is at the top of the Polkadraai Hill outside Stellenbosch. Read on…

All our stories can be seen in the Blog Archive near the top of the column on the right

If you do not wish to receive e-mails from us, please email menucape@gmail.com with the word 'UNSUBSCRIBE' in your email


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Lunch with wine tasting at Alto, Stellenbosch

An invitation from Barend Barnard, Sales & Marketing Manager of Alto wine estate,
to visit the farm and taste the wines was quickly accepted
 We tasted the wines over a very good lunch in their restaurant
The views are spectacular and the atmosphere is sophisticated and sooo relaxed

Barend  wanted to introduce us to the new 2023 Stellenzicht Thunderstone Rosé
Alto, Stellenzicht and Ernie Els wines are all now under the ownership and/or part ownership of German businessman
and wine collector Baron Hans von Staff-Reitzenstein

The wine was made by  L’Ré Burger and is a blend of 71% Syrah, 16% Grenache and 13% Cinsault
Pale onion skin in colour and has had some aging in old barrels.
Raspberry and pomegranate on the nose and palate, a good acid grip,
refreshing with long fruit flavours and good with food

The new vineyard about to be planted in front of the restaurant and winery
It is destined for a planting of Shiraz near the gate, and Cabernet Sauvignon high up near the tasting room
 The entrance way will change to a position on the right of this picture

Inside, a video was being filmed and they had arranged this lovely tableau with some of the Alto reds
Nota bene, a great place to enjoy a tasting on a chilly winter's day
A very special celebration is planned at Alto later in the year, as Alto will celebrate the 100th vintage of Alto Rouge
We really like the new labels, still classic but easier to identify

This iconic Estate Blend is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Tim Atkin voted the 2021 the Best Value red wine in SA

The menu is petite but beautifully formed.

With some extras and boards to share should you not want a full lunch

The wine list. The wines are sold at cellar door prices in the restaurant

We began our lunch with Stellenzicht Thunderstone Chardonnay 2023
Richness, lees, perfume and white peach on the nose. Lovely juicy fruit forward Chardonnay
White peach, nectarine and crisp lemon. vLight wood and great minerality. Another which is good with food

It was a lovely autumnal day so we sat outside on the deck with a fabulous view
You can just make out Table Mountain in the distance through the haze
The Cape has been plagued, again, by fires in the fynbos

Our extremely helpful Sommelier/waiter, Likho, also brought the wines to taste with our meal
We last met him when he worked at Jordan

We could not make up our minds about which starter to have, so we ordered two and swapped half way
The grilled baby squid were tender and spicy from the chorizo and hot sauce
The Alto Rouge 2021 has richness, incense wood, good red berry fruit, spice and pepper
Lots of depth and full of memorable flavours, red and black cherry, black currents and blackberry
Wood supports with good crisp tannins and length
It was perfect with this dish, it washed away the heat and added a lot to the enjoyment

The tender and flavourful Beef Carpaccio had a mound of chopped and vinegared, slightly hard, pear in the centre
Rocket, sharp sundried tomatoes, deep fried capers and topped with shavings of parmesan and raw onion 

One of the farm's friendly Chocolate Labradors

The 2018 Alto Shiraz has leather, wood, spicy dark red berries and a behind-the-ear perfume!
Mulberry, blueberry and fruit with spice and pepper, it's easy to quaff and went so well with the squid

A farmhouse nestled in autumnal trees

We had good chats with the American couple seated at the next table
who were enjoying their trip and their wine tasting

Salt and pepper on the table

The 2018 Alto Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic quality Stellenbosch Cabernet
Cassis, good incense wood; on the palate, richness and fullness with cassis and cherry, sweet and sour in balance,
a food wine and drinking so well now

The 2022 Alto Estate Blend is a blend of cabernet, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and sometimes, but not this vintage,
some Petit Verdot. Lots of Cassis and lots of spice on the rich nose
Tight tannins holding onto good cherry berry fruit, the necessary acid in balance,
It's very young and needs to be carefully laid down to await its future magic

John chose the Cut of the Day, a Chalmar Sirloin, fire touched, very bleu but tender and delicious
Topped with crisp onion rings, excellent crisp truffle chips and a rocket salad

Lynne enjoyed the Belly of Pork with superb crisp crackling on two slices, very tender and luxurious
Served with red cabbage, mustard mash, smoked apple, crisp sweet potato ribbons and a creamy bacon brandy sauce
The Alto Cabernet was the perfect match, it opened up and complimented the rich pork and creamy flavours 

A quick word with the talented winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen who celebrated his birthday that day

The meal was very filling, but we had to try the enticing Naked Dark Chocolate and Berry Torte, one to share
and it did not disappoint, dark and rich with lovely flavours and textures, it echoed some of the red wines
Thank you to all at Alto, we will definitely be back and think you, our reader, should try it as well

The Chef is Matthew Delponte

The mountain appearing through the smoky haze as we left

All our stories can be seen in the Blog Archive near the top of the column on the right

Posted by MENU at 1:14 pm 0 comments

Sunday, May 05, 2024

Trade wine tasting of Catherine Marshall wines

A tasting we always look forward to
Catherine Marshall is one of our best wine makers. Modest to a fault, she works tirelessly to make superb wines
For those in the know, they are an essential and a joy
You will find her wines in all the best restaurants and wine emporiums
We are always excited to taste her new vintages
Her tasting room and winery is at the top of the Polkadraai Hill outside Stellenbosch

The display of her current range of wines

Members of the wine trade, sommeliers and journalists were invited

Sue Anderson takes care of Cathy's Marketing and PR

A smiling welcome and we love the new hairstyle

Cellar door Price list and Tasting notes

We were to taste six white wines and seven red

The first was a new wine, as yet unlabelled 2023 Art of Arges Semillon
Grey smoke, richness, honeysuckle perfume and white peach
Crisp and full on the lanolin tongue, lovely depth of pears and white peach and minerality; long sophisticated flavours

Amatra 2022 Semillon from Elgin grapes
Smoke, vanilla, perfume, hints of citrus. Dark vanilla wood,  crisp and zingy fruit, wood returns. Very young, has potential

2023 Amatra Jono's Wave Chenin Blanc
60% fermented in wood, 40% in clay amphora. Grapes from the Hemel and Aarde
Vanilla, white fruit; hint of lees, wood and hazelnuts on the nose
A beautiful wine on the palate
White peach and green apple, fullness, and silky; a burst of ripeness and flavour fills the long palate
We bought a case of 6

2023 Catherine Marshall Chenin fermented in Clay
Earthy on the nose with salinity, a hint of petrichor; golden fruit and perfume entice you to know more
Tingle on the front of the tongue, white stone fruit, crispness of lime, layers of flavour, leesy and long

The Catherine Marshall 2023 Sauvignon Blanc has a great nose, full-on fruit to dive into
A complete return to good Sauvignon Blanc, very French in character, echoes of Sancerre,
with cassis leaves, passion fruit and some green pepper
Zingy on the palate, green plums, passion fruit, crispness and fine layers of fruit enticing you to have more
A definite food wine. Six came home with us

Catherine Marshall 2023 Riesling has a typical Riesling nose
Perfume, a hint of honey, green apple and limes with a hint of wood
Crisp on the tongue first, then honey, then more lime. In balance now and delicious, with fine hints of coming terpenes

On to the red wines

Catherine Marshall 2023 Sandstone Pinot Noir
Red velvet on the nose, rose perfume, red cherry cassis and dried cranberry
Silky on the the palate with layers of red fruit, it entertains and entrances
Crispness of Morello cherry with the sweetness of ripe black cherry, dark wood hint of savoury licorice and long flavours
Definite food wine with an affinity to lamb and other red meats

Catherine Marshall 2023 Clay Soil Pinot Noir
Quite pale cranberry in colour with vanilla oak, strawberry fruit, very attractive
Sophistication on the palate, long and full of good sweet and sour berry fruit in perfect balance with alcohol and rich lees
Its long flavours call loudly for food. We scored this very high

Catherine Marshall 2023 Finite Elements Pinot Noir also earned top marks from us
Perfume, minerality, elegance and fruit forward. Vanilla oak and wet stones from the Hemel and Aarde Ridge terroir
Silky on the palate which opens out, familiar, wonderful layers of cherry fruit with dark wood and great flinty minerality
Too good to quaff, but you want more and more
As Cathy said at the tasting, "Pinot Noir demands your attention!"
Indeed it does when she makes it

The tasting room is full of great art from local artists which is for sale
John spotted this Bronze Nude and posed it with the  Grenache

The 2022 Catherine Marshall Grenache came from the Swartland
Pale cherry in colour, Incense wood, dark berry fruit and umami on the nose. Sweet and sour fruit in balance on the palate,
layers of berry fruit with pomegranate and mulberry, long with wood hints on the end
Another asking for food

The 2023 Catherine Marshall Lithica Grenache comes from the Malmesbury area
Umami is forward, incense wood, red velvet fruit
Zingy red cherries and berries on the very layered palate, freshness of cranberry adding more zing, almost sherbet,
then berries which go on and on with some baked quince and mulberry, such enjoyment

Amatra 2022 The Oreads is a red blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot
Beautiful fruit on the nose, plums and cherries with a hint of violet, depth, elegance and good wood
Black fruit and savouriness from the wood on the initial palate. Layers of different components, all melding together
A food wine and definitely suited to a meal with game. (The Oreads are nymphs that live in caves)

Catherine Marshall's 2021 Peter's Vision is a classic Bordeaux Blend from Bush vine grapes in the Swartland
Umami notes on the very rich complex nose with pencil shavings, elegance and depth of fruit
Which follows through beautifully on the well structured palate palate, full of cassis and black plums 

Lunch was a very good cold collation
of chicken, cold meats, quiches, salads, cheese, dips, bread and accoutrements, much enjoyed

Dessert was Pasteis de Nata and chocolate brownies with a selection of sweets and chocolates

Mother and son winemaking team
Cathy Marshall and Jonathan Oxenham (Jono) who is now also making the wine with his mother

All our stories can be seen in the Blog Archive near the top of the column on the right

If you do not wish to receive e-mails from us, please email menucape@gmail.com with the word 'UNSUBSCRIBE' in your email


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