Critics Ratings

'Complex, showing sense of place, masterly restraint, 2017 is expressive yet lean & refined. Earthy, leafy, with iodine & mulberry infusions, olive tapenade, finely integrated oak. Standout example in the SA industry. 18 months in 300L French oak, as all the reds. This 25% new.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (95/100)

‘He sometimes refers to himself as the Chenin King on Twitter, but Bruwer Raats does an equally fine job with Cabernet Franc. This comes from two sites in the Polkadraai Hills and is wonderfully nuanced and fresh, with the focus of the best 2017 reds, filigree tannins and grassy, red cherry fruit. 2020-27’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 94/100

‘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.’ - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100

‘The 2017 Family Cabernet Franc is aged for 18 months in French oak, 25% new. It has a glorious bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and cranberry fruit laced with Cuban cigar smoke, truffle and light hickory aromas. The oak is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a refined, focused finish that fans out gently. There is just enough dryness to urge you back for another sip. Superb.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Oct 2019)

Provenance

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