Organic/Biodynamic Wines
Online-Only Auction, 30 May - 13 June 2022
Session 1
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Longridge Wine Estate, with its panoramic vista over False Bay, is situated in the Stellenbosch region on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain range. Here cellarmaster Jasper Raats applies his passion for the production of organic and biodynamic wines with extensive international experience. Longridge's vision is to produce environmentally sustainable wines of superior quality. Biodynamic farming methods are utilized to the fullest, minimizing the impact they have on the environment.
Biodynamic Farming
Farmed and made according to biodynamic practices, but not certified. Often accompanied with organic farming practices.
Biodynamic farming uses no synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Biodynamic farming works to achieve soil health through the use of compost, animal and green manures; diversified crop rotations; and incorporation of livestock. However, the two agricultural systems differ in that biodynamic farmers rely on eight specific preparations for the soil, crops and compost to enhance soil and plant quality, and to stimulate the composting process. The eight preparations, designated by their ingredients or by numbers 500 to 507, are made from cow manure; silica; the flowers of yarrow, chamomile, dandelion and valerian; oak bark; and the stinging nettle plant. A ninth prep, often referred to as 508, is made from horsetail and is used for fungal disease.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
2012 - ‘Vibrant, naturally fermented 2012, ripe raspberry, cherry and spice; fine, slightly warm palate reflects creamy raspberry, floral notes and modest oak influence - only 5 months, older barrels, as for 2011, allowing Elgin terroir to shine.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4*
2014 - ‘Sleek, modern 2014 with bouquet of macerated strawberries and spiced cherries. Modest oaking (just 13% new), reined-in 13% alcohol perfect for fine dining. Benefits from decanting, should reward a few years cellaring. No 2013.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4*
‘Also tasted last year, but up a point because of added bottle-aged complexity, this is a typically restrained, lowish alcohol red from Jasper Raats, showing spice, summer berry fruit and tangy, mouth-watering acidity.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 90/100
2015 - ‘Sleek, reined-in 2015 from Elgin, modest oaking (just 13% new) to showcase lovely cherry perfume. For fine dining, with restrained fruit, seam of acidity, unobtrusive tannins.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4*
‘Jasper Raats has a light touch with Pinot, making wines that are more Chambolle-Musigny than Gevrey-Chambertin, as it were. This is floral, light and very charming, sending its red berry sweetness dancing across the palate. 2017-22.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 91/100
2016 - ‘From Elgin, 2016 at first appears simply fruity but there’s presence, too, courtesy fine tannins, bright seam of acidity and lifted 14.8% alcohol. Beautifully dry, for food, with modest oak support.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2019, 4*
‘Smoky and concentrated - the latter a characteristic reflection of the vintage - this has plenty of grip and grunt on the palate, but the tannins are complemented by red fruit sweetness and bright acidity. 2019-24.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 91/100
2017 - ‘Jasper Raats makes Cuvée Rika with purchased grapes from Elgin, using a range of Burgundian clones. Showing sappy, lightly minty red berry fruit, this has well-integrated oak, savoury tannins and crunchy pomegranate acidity. 2020-25.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 91/100
2018 - ‘From Elgin block, 2018 raspberries and tea leaves, soft tannins, laced with zesty acidity and touch of herbs before warm finish asserts. 14 months in mainly older French oak.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2021, 4*
‘Lightly wooded in just 10% new barrels, Jasper Raats' graceful Elgin Pinot Noir is a lowintervention style with rose petal and tobacco leaf aromas, bright acidity and a nip of savoury tannins. Enjoyable stuff from the Longridge cellar master. 2021-25.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 91/100
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