Raats Family Wines, Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2021

Producer Profile

After making wine around the world and honing his craft in the Cape, Bruwer Raats established Raats Family Wines in 2000, based on a policy of ‘excellence through specialisation’, focusing on two unfashionable grapes varieties at the time, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.

Viticulture

From their highest lying vineyards, between 300 and 400 meters above sea level, grown exclusively in decomposed dolomite granite soils. Vines are unirrigated and yield approximately 6 tons per hectare.

Winemaking

Grapes were hand sorted three times, crushed and left to cold soak on the skins for five days. After fermentation the grapes are basket pressed and allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks and then aged for 18 months before bottling. Fermentation Temperature: 28°C, Wood Ageing 18 months in French Vicard and Mercury oak barrels (25% new, 25% second, 25% third fill and 25% fourth fill).

Tasting Note

A sexy, luscious Cabernet Franc that is the definition of elegance. Harmoniously integrated flavours of blackberry, black cherry and plum mingle with tobacco, cinnamon and spice. Tannins are soft and gentle on the palate, and hints of dark choclate and minerality on the long finish. A wine gently crafted with great love, and to be enjoyed the same way.

Food Matching

An elegant yet powerful wine best paired with rich meat dishes. Pork Loin, Beef Fillet or Game.

Awards

Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2023 94 Points
Bruwer Raats has done as much as anyone to promote the joys of Cape Cabernet Franc. This example from the increasingly fashionable Polkadraai Hills comes from two blocks at 250 metres and has a lovely combination of perfumed 25% new wood, granitic grip, damson and blackcurrant leaf flavours and the concentration to age. 2024-30. 94 Points, TA, August 2023.