Raats new releases

Raats Family Wines where the focus is very much on Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc grows ever more formidable. Bruwer Raats established the label in 2000, with his cousin Gavin Slabbert joining as winemaker in 2010. Today, the next generation is also stepping in – Bruwer’s son Samuel assisting Slabbert in the vineyards and cellar, while Joshua lends his hand on the marketing side. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Original Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R195
Unoaked. Primary aromatics of quince, citrus and a slight herbal note. The palate is pure and zippy with a super-dry – good weight thanks to eight months on the lees. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R460
50% matured in older oak, 30% in concrete and 20% in stainless steel tank. Peach, yellow apple and mandarin plus a hint of earth and some leesy complexity on the nose. The palate is rich and full of flavour, tangy acidity providing vim, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R1,100
From a 0.6ha block planted in 2009. 60% matured in concrete egg, 40% in new oak. Herbs, flowers, pear, peach and citrus on the nose. Great clarity of fruit and crisp acidity before a finish that’s long and pithy in texture. Great focus – lean and taut but not too much so. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Family Reserve Cabernet Franc 2022
Price: R800
Matured for 18 months in barrel, 25% new. Red and black berries, floral perfume, a winning hint of tomato leaf, pencil shavings and earth on the nose. The palate is precise and harmonious – good fruit depth, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Elegant and sophisticated. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Eden High Density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2023
Price: R3,200
From a 0.2ha block. Small portion fermented whole-bunch. Matured for 10 months in one new barrel before a further period in older oak. Red currant, cherry, earth and a touch of mushroom on the nose. The palate is elegant, even delicate and quite Pinot-esque – juicy and fresh with super-fine, supple tannins. Intense but not weighty. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Vlag Vineyard Selection Polkadraai Hills Cabernet Franc 2022
Price: R1,600
Matured in a combination of concrete, old oak barrels and foudre, partial whole-bunch fermentation. Top notes of green herbs, paprika and a hint of rose before red berries. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and powdery tannins, the finish nicely dry. Poised and relatively understated. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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