Jasper Raats current releases

Jasper Raats of Stellenbosch property Longridge also makes wine under his own label. He made a name for himself making Pinot Noir in Malborough, New Zealand earlier in his career and is now intent of showing that he can make top-end wines from a carefully selected site in Stellenbosch. Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases:

Cuvée Rika Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R315

Grapes from a Helderberg block planted in 2014. Matured for some 15 months in barrel, 10% new. Heady aromatics of red and black cherry, musk, cured meat and spice. Good fruit concentration, bright acidity and nicely grippy tannins – not as slight as cooler climate examples can be. Alc: 13.7%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Cuvée Rika Reserve 2021
Price: R650
Made with the intention of achieving the most intense, full-bodied example of the variety possible. Inky in colour. Black cherry, incense, cured meat, earth and spice on the nose. The palate is potent – dense fruit, bright acidity and firm tannins, the finish long and deeply savoury. An emphatic counter to those who believe Pinot should always be light and sprightly… Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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