Raats new releases

Bruwer Raats of Raats Family Wines says that when it comes to building his brand, he’s much more focused on establishing a reputation for excellence of quality rather than growing volumes. Established in 2000, he currently makes 20 000 cases of own label wine. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Raats Original Unoaked Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R150
Spontaneous fermentation before six months on the lees in tank. Top notes of herbs and blossom before pear, white peach, guava and lime. The palate is wonderfully pure and energetic – lean, fresh and pithy. As charming as ever.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Raats Jasper Red Blend 2020
Price: R275
44% Cabernet Franc, 25% Malbec, 23% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot. The nose shows floral perfume, red and black berries, a hint of fresh herbs and oak spice. The palate is quite polished with good fruit density, bright acidity and relatively soft tannins – that much more substantial than 2019.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2020
Price: R700
Matured for 18 months in French oak, 15% new. Red and black berries, violets, incense and pencil shavings on the nose. Great depth and focus – concentrated fruit, bright acidity and wonderful texture thanks to fine, mouth-coating tannins. A vintage of harmony and refinement.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2021 and Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2020 reviewed here.

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