Raats | Family Cabernet Franc | 2020
Raats | Family Cabernet Franc | 2020
A true varietal masterpiece. Raats have long been world leaders in the production of Cabernet Franc with each vintage defining quality and elegance. Owner and winemaker Bruwer Raats has been such a pioneer of this varietal in South Africa that in the ‘Oxford Companion to Wine’ by master of wine Jancis Robinson, she mentions Bruwer under her entry on Cabernet Franc. A wine gently crafted with great love, and to be enjoyed the same way now or over the next 10+ years if cellared correctly.
Nose & Palate
The nose entices with its perfume and a garrigue character of Cape fynbos, rosemary, lavender and thyme with spicy notes of nutmeg, cloves and star anise. Intense brooding blackberry fruit, graphite and a streak of minerality add to the complexity of the nose. The palate is dominated by blueberry, mulberry, and dark cherries, with aniseed and other spices following through from the nose. The palate is complex and textured with fine-grained silky tannins balancing the dark berry fruit. Blueberry and dark cherries dominate the smooth finish with hints of dark chocolate.
Pairing
Rosemary rubbed grilled lamb chops or leg of lamb. Tarragon chicken. Duck breasts with cassis and raspberries. Venison with blackberry sauce. Flourless chocolate cake.
About the Winery
For Raats Family Wines it’s all about two grapes; Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. Their mission to consistently produce outstanding quality wines from these two varieties has earned Raats a stellar international reputation. Raats wines have received glowing write-ups by esteemed wine reviewers such as Tim Atkin, Olly Smith, Matthew Jukes, Neil Martin, James Molesworth and Jancis Robinson.
In further pursuit of perfection, founder Bruwer Raats formed MR de Compostella with long-time friend and winemaker Mzokona Mvemve. The result has been a wine that has achieved consistent world-class quality, vintage after vintage.
