Raats Family Estate - 'Family' Cabernet Franc 2015
NZD$98.00
(No reviews yet)
Write a Review
Raats Family Estate - 'Family' Cabernet Franc 2015
"Probably the best single vineyard Cabernet Franc from South Africa and one of the better examples I have ever tried. It certainly has got a lot of depth and richness to it. A very pure varietal character comes through on the nose with ripe raspberry and cranberry notes coming through. The oak gives a well deserved backbone to this wine and the resulting tannin structure is brilliant. A long finish filled with a mix of wild red berry fruit flavours and dabs of baking spices. Love it!"
--------THE PRODUCER--------
Raats Family Estate
Raats are a top estate found in the Stellenbosch region who are specialists in the crafting of exceptional wines from Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. It is their mission to consistently produce Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc of outstanding quality from South Africa and to establish these wines as international benchmarks. It is headed by Bruwer Raats who is said to be "the most exciting and forward-thinking winemaker in Stellenbosch" - Neal Martin, Wine Spectator.
--------THE GRAPE--------
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a red grape that isn't made into single varietal wines not nearly as much as it should. Instead it is one of the main grape varieties in the 'Bordeaux Blend' where it is blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon but will usually be lucky to make up more than 10-20% of the blend. It really comes into its own in the Loire Valley, specifically in Chinon and Bourgeuil, where it shows off its more herbaceous and lighter characteristic.
--------THE REGION--------
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is the leading quality region in South Africa. It is home to many of the most famous estates and many of the top wines. Generally speaking it is a red wine hub with Pinotage, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon at the helm, though recently more white wines are taking over.
