Raats Family Wines, Red Jasper, 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 trellissed and bush vines averaging 21 - 28 years old grown on 100% decomposed dolomite granite soils.

Winemaking

Grapes were hand sorted three times, crushed and left to cold soak on the skins for five days. After fermentation the grapes were basket pressed and allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 16 months prior to bottling. Fermentation Temperature: 28°C. 16 months in French tight grain oak barrels (20% second, 30% third fill and 50% fourth fill).

Oak Ageing

Time: 16 months
Type: French
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

Exceptionally intense and complex on the nose with blackberry, black cherry and bramble in abundance and subtle hints of forest floor, dark chocolate, aniseed and spicy tobacco. The walk in the Black Forest continues with blue and blackberry dancing on a tight rope with focus and concentration, following through onto a perfectly balanced, fine-grained, velvety palate. The finish lingers with hints of fresh mint, cinnamon and perfume. Complex and structured.

Food Matching

Venison, aged sirloin and hard cheeses.

Awards

Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report 2023 93 Points
Jasper is Cabernet Franc based - it's Bruwer Raats' favourite red variety after all - with the remaining 47% made up of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Curated in older wood, it shows the freshness, focus and balance that are the hallmarks of the winery's style, with plum, black cherry and cassis flavours and layered, sinewy tannins. 2024-30. 93 Points, TA, August 2023.