Eden Cabernet Franc 2014

Eden is the name that Bruwer Raats of Raats Family Wines has given to two wines off plantings on his Vlaeberg Road property – he established 0.2ha of Cabernet Franc and 0.6ha of Chenin Blanc in 2008 opting for high-density and each vine individually staked. For all the excitement about old vines, Raats says by starting from scratch he is looking for quality by design rather than by accident. Tasting notes and ratings for the maiden releases below:

Eden Chenin Blanc 2014
Price: R600
Spontaneously fermented and matured for 11 months in 300-litre barrels, partially new. The nose is subtle and elusive with hints of pear, citrus and white peach plus hay, dried herbs and yellow earth. The palate is dense and very savoury – less about primary fruit and more about texture. No ostentation here at all. Total production: 760 bottles.

#WinemagRating: 93/100.

Unicorn wine.

Eden Cabernet Franc 2014
Price: R1500
20% whole-bunch fermentation, matured for 12 months in a new 200-litre barrel. An enticing nose of red fruit, flowers, fynbos and fresh herbs plus some pencil shavings in the background. Pure and juicy on the palate, relatively light bodied but the fruit very well defined while the tannins are particularly fine. So, so elegant. Total production: 260 bottles.

#WinemagRating: 96/100.

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