Product Overview
Importer's Notes:
"Raats Cabernet Franc comes from vineyards planted on cooler, southern facing slopes in Stellenbosch. The vines range from 20 to 27 years old and are unirrigated. Decomposed dolomite granite soils lend great acidity and freshness to the wines, as well as a lovely minerality on the finish.
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."
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: WO Stellenbosch
Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new
94 Points - Vinous
"The 2018 Cabernet Franc Family, aged in 25% new oak (Vicard and Mercurey cooperages) for 18 months, easily possesses the finest nose of the three Cabernet Francs that I tasted from Raats, with soaring red berry fruit laced with bell pepper, powdered dark chocolate and gravel. The fresh, vibrant palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, fine acidity and a very precise and sustained finish. This is an outstanding Cabernet Franc." -NM, Apr/2021
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Lovely herbal aromatics lead the nose here, expressed in waves of fresh tobacco leaf, singed laurel, blackberry leaf, light char and just-ripe black plum. The palate is medium in weight and more red in fruit character than the nose initially offers, with more whole, leafy green herb tones. The tannins are robust upon entry but then resolve nicely through the sip and finish, ending with a kiss of red plum and cherry flavor. Drink now–2031." -LB, 9/1/21
91 Points - Wine Advocate
"The 2018 Family Cabernet Franc displays a deep ruby core and unmistakable nose with aromas of roasted red pepper, dried herbs, black cherry and hints of cassis. Medium to full-bodied, the palate initially offers firm, gripping tannins that melt away, exposing layers of dark red and black fruit flavors with a spicy undercurrent. The wine finishes with focus and intention. This will please Cabernet Franc lovers around the globe." -AM, 6/9/22
