Description
The 2022 Raats Chenin Blanc Old Vine is a vibrant and refreshing expression of Chenin Blanc, with a distinctive core of yellow apple, kiwi fruit, and pineapple, complemented by notes of green melon and lime. The wine is bursting with fresh fruit flavors, and a zesty citrus note lingers on the palate, leading to a long, mineral finish. Aged in a combination of barrel, concrete egg, and stainless steel tank, it offers a beautifully balanced complexity. Perfectly paired with South African west coast mussels, white fish in beurre blanc, spicy butternut squash soup, or mild Indian curry.
Producer Profile
Bruwer Raats founded Raats Family Wines in 2000, and since then has narrowed his focus on Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, with only one blend, The Jasper Red blend. He believed that specialising would lead to success, and this belief was not unfounded, as today, Raats Family Wines is regarded as a leader of South African Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Raats has received consistent local and international accolades and was named Winery of the Year for the 2018 Platter’s Guide with 5 out of 6 wines achieving five-star ratings. As Neal Martin says, ‘Cabernet Franc does not get better than at Raats’.
Reviews
JancisRobinson.com 16.5
Half the wine was fermented and matured in 300- and 500-litre French oak barrels, the rest at 18-22 C in stainless steel. After 11 months, the two components are blended together and left on the lees for a further 2 months before bottling.Pale, greenish-yellow. Oh that s delish. The texture of whipped honey, the aromas redolent with white flowers and creamy pear fruit, the flavours buzzing with acidity. It’s firm and long, with an earth/chalky note riding underneath. Very long, very spicy, very moreish as the balance is so impeccable. (TQT) [11/06/2024]
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2032
