Prestigious Family Wineries
Live Virtual Auction, 23 July 2023
Prestigious family wineries | Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Raats Family Wines and Savage Wines
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About this Item
Specialising in Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, Raats Family Wines was established by Bruwer Raats at the turn of the millennium. He believes the secret to his Cabernet Francs success is that they are old vines grown on decomposed dolomite granite. This belief was not unfounded, as today, Raats Family Wines is regarded as a leader of South Africa’s Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, receiving consistent local and international accolades. Early vintages are elegant, refined and still remarkably young today.
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Critics Ratings
‘Vibrant 2013, with subtle aromas of berry, spice and undergrowth, needs time in the glass to unfold and reveal its potential. Balanced and elegant, it has beautiful ripe tannins, an energising freshness and unobtrusive oaking (25% new). Worthy successor to seamless and intense 2012.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*
‘Sourced from two sites, one in the Polkadraai Hills and one on the Simonsberg, these are Bruwer Raats’ oldest and highest blocks of Cabernet Franc. Textured, polished and showing a little bit of bottle development, this is leafy and fne with violet and blackcurrant notes. Drink: 2016-22.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2016, 93/100
‘The 2013 Family Cabernet Franc comes from the two best and oldest vineyards, matured for 18 months in barrel with around 20% new oak. It has a well defined, red berry, star anise and oregano-scented bouquet that is very well defined, gradually unfurling in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin matched by perfectly judged acidity. It is supremely well focused, and classic in style with hints of tobacco and black pepper towards the finish. There is huge potential here.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Nov 2015)