Zorgvliet Richelle 2019

The Zorgvliet Richelle is their flagship red wine in a Bordeaux-style, with high quantities of Cabernet Franc and low quantities of Merlot, adding up to a very fruity wine with a great texture. The 2019 vintage was made from a difficult harvest with several climate challenges, but still the wine that was produced is superior. The total blending time was 22 months, using 64% new 225 litre French oak barrels. The wine is named after Richelle, one of the owner’s daughters.

In the glass, this wine has a deep Burgundy colour. It is forthcoming on the nose with complex notes of blackberries, leather, earth and dried flowers. The entry on the palate is elegant and smooth, with blackcurrant, blueberries, ripe plums, black pepper, eucalyptus, and cedar wood that is prominent. Earthy notes with tobacco leaf come through on the development, together with tannins that keep this wine tight. It is well-balanced with a long lingering fruity finish and a hint of salinity.

This wine is ideal for drinking now or within the next 10 years. It is best served slightly chilled but does not need to be decanted yet. It will accompany potjiekos, steak, venison pie or salmon sushi well, but can also be enjoyed on its own. What is really amazing about this wine is that its individual components (the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) can be enjoyed as single varietals from Zorgvliet to explore how this blend was assembled. It is a great wine that will contribute to positive savouring experiences. It is good value for money. Just over 6000 bottles of this wine were produced.

Producer: Zorgvliet

Variety: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot

Vintage: 2019

Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Bernard le Roux

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 14.27%

RS: 2.6g/l

Average price: R490

Rating: 95/100