Raats Family Eden High-Density Single Vineyard new releases

“Quality by design” is the guiding principle behind the top-end Eden High-Density Single Vineyard wines from Bruwer Raats – attention to detail applied at every step of establishing 0.6ha of Chenin Blanc and 0.2ha of Cabernet Franc on this Polkadraai property, the vines planted in 2009 but the process of soil rehabilitation taking years before that. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Eden High-Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2020
Price: R925
65% fermented and matured for 11 months in concrete egg, 35% in barrels. Complex aromatics of pear, peach, citrus, apple and quince as well as herbs, flowers and just a little leesy complexity. The palate has both an intricacy and delicacy about it with pure fruit and moderate acidity, the finish long and dry. Wonderfully harmonious.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Eden High-Density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019
Price: R2 500
Matured for 10 months in new oak before a further eight months in older oak. Beguiling aromatics of red and black cherry, violet and rose, baking spice plus the vaguest hints of smoke and vanilla. The palate is medium bodied with great fruit definition, fresh acidity and ever so fine tannins – a supremely elegant wine with energy and detail.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

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