Lortum Riche Vineyards, Row 48 Cask 9 Cabernet Sauvignon, NV

Lortum Riché is a family-operated boutique estate that has gained acclaim for its "luxury-meets-logic" approach to winemaking. The brand name is a linguistic hybrid, combining the British exclamation "Lor!" (an expression of wonder) and the Cambodian word "Tum" (meaning ripe). Together with "Riché," it translates to a "Rich, ripe exclamation of surprise." To achieve this, the family collaborated with veteran winemaker Kevin Morrisey and viticulturist Victor Fuentes to focus on high-density planting and precise parcel selection, specifically highlighting Row 48; a section of the vineyard known for producing fruit with exceptional concentration and energy. This is a multi-vintage (NV) 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, masterfully assembled from three distinct growing seasons (2019, 2021, and 2022) to ensure a consistent, opulent house style. The wine undergoes extensive ageing in French oak barrels for 24 months, using a combination of new and seasoned wood. The "Cask 9" designation refers to the specific large-format neutral vessel used for the final "marriage" of the vintages, which polishes the structural tannins into a silken texture without over-extraction. The wine opens with an opulent bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and cassis, elegantly accented by delicate whispers of vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, it presents a medium-to-full body with a velvety texture, revealing complex layers of plum, raspberry tart, and espresso underpinned by fine-grained tannins. This experience culminates in a warming, long finish characterised by sophisticated notes of dark chocolate and tobacco, balanced by a surprising, bright hint of lemon custard pie. Serve this alongside a pepper-crusted venison loin with a blackberry reduction to mirror the wine's dark fruit and spicy oak profile.