“My philosophy is simple: I want to make wines that I like and can make without any restrictions or guidelines.” – Jasper Raats.
The Jasper Raats range, crafted by the acclaimed Longridge winemaker, is a collection of single-vineyard wines from small, carefully chosen parcels in the Helderberg. Sometimes stylistically unexpected, these wines push boundaries—both for the varieties and the region—offering a fresh perspective on Stellenbosch terroir. From the textured Olindo Verdelho to the elegant Silk Weaver Sangiovese and the precise, mineral Driefontein Sauvignon Blanc, Jasper proves that thinking outside the box isn’t just possible—it’s rewarding. These are not mere curiosities, but compelling evidence of the versatility and youthfulness of South African wine. We were so impressed by their quality, we made space for them in our latest shipment of Longridge’s soulful wines.
Time you got to know them too—another stellar addition to the portfolio.
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Jasper Raats Wines
A Museum Find…
95 Points – Tim Atkin MW | 95 Points – Greg Sherwood MW
O lindo in Portuguese means “The Beautiful”, just like the Nymph reaching for the stars on the etiquette. Portuguese for the Portuguese varietal, Verdelho, one of the main cultivars in Madeiran wine.
“Olindo is made with grapes from what is surely the best block of Verdelho in the Cape, located at 250 metres on decomposed granite. Salty, focused, chiselled and intense, it has amazing extract, a touch of oak, quince, lime and waxed lemon flavours and a stony finish. 2025-32.” – Tim Atkin MW.
“The Olindo Verdelho 2023 is one of the own label wines from Jasper, the full-time winemaker at Longridge winery. The grapes for this classy Olindo white are sourced from a Helderberg vineyard planted on decomposed Granite soils which is farmed using biodynamic practices. The 2023 shows a real aromatic intensity, bursting with delicately lactic peachy notes, white blossom perfume, yellow citrus, and a fresh pineapple exoticism. The palate is rich and textural, broad and mouth filling with a long, fresh, deliciously tangy finish that is characteristic of premium Verdelho from Stellenbosch. An absolute peach of a wine. Drink now to 2032+.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
93 Points – Tim Atkin MW | 95+ Points – Greg Sherwood MW
“The Sauvignon Blanc originates from a tiny block on Driefontein, the farm against the slopes of the Helderberg where I currently live. This must be one of the coolest parcels in the Stellenbosch area with the cooling breezes off False Bay cooling it down on hot days. “I prefer a cool site for my Sauvignon Blanc as I like ripe flavours without losing the acidity.””- Jasper Raats.
“The variety doesn’t appear on the label, but Driefontein is made from Sauvignon Blanc grown on the Lower Helderberg. Fermented in older barrels, it has some structure from two hours of skin contact, texture from 80% malolactic, flavours of lime, grapefruit, elderflower and umami and a racy, mineral finish. 2024-28”- Tim Atkin MW.
“Another of Jasper Raats’ own label wines, the Driefontein Blanc comes from a Helderberg vineyard farmed according to biodynamic principles. The wine was fermented and matured for circa 12 months in old 300 litre French oak barrels and displays an intricate aromatics of yellow blossom, black currant, greengage, savoury leesy biscuit notes, crushed chalk dust and dried wild herbs. On the palate the wine shows impressive concentration and focus, an enchanting glycerol fruit weight and a bright, integrated vital acidity that lends tension and structure to the long finish. A very impressive expression from Stellenbosch. Drink now to 2032+.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
Sangius Jovis, meaning “the blood of Jupiter”.
This wine is a rare Stellenbosch interpretation of the medium-
bodied Sangiovese grape. On the nose, the wine shows dark berry fruit and a warm glowing hint of spice. Flavours abound displaying warm cedar wood, black cardamom and a rich mulberry finish that lingers lusciously on the palate. Well-rounded, grippy tannins make for a wine which is accessible now, but with enough structure and balance to age and reward well in years to come.
