Raats Winery was founded at the beginning of this century by Bruwer Raats. Together with his cousin, winemaker Gavin Bruwer, they are now responsible for every bottle that leaves the cellars. They have a clear focus on just two grape varieties: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. The latter, in particular, is an unconventional choice. However, on the vineyards in Polkadraai—between Stellenbosch and Cape Town—Cabernet Franc is achieving great things. It is precisely for this reason that Bruwer and Gavin have fully committed themselves to Cabernet Franc.
Winemaker Gavin Bruwer was in the Netherlands, and during a meeting, he placed a glass of Eden High Density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc in front of us. "Try this," he said, and as soon as our lips touched the glass, we were instantly in seventh heaven. A phenomenal glass of wine, unlike any other. The Cabernet Franc grapes are hand-harvested in the tiny vineyard in Polkadraai. After vinification, the juice is aged for 10 months in new French oak barrels, after which it is pumped into more French barrels. The barrels are only 16% full and are then aged there for over six months. It's an incredibly time-consuming process, and we were therefore shocked by the limited edition: only 300 bottles were made, of which only a small portion are for the Dutch market.
Enough about the technique, now it's all about the taste. A taste experience that's almost impossible to put into words, so magical is this Eden Cabernet Franc. Upon opening the bottle, we initially encounter a somewhat closed aroma, but are quickly treated to generous notes of morello cherries and red berries. Complexity is also discernible in the form of star anise and fennel seed. Cedarwood reveals itself at the heart of the aroma, making our mouths water for the wine. As soon as the first sip of Eden High Density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc hits our taste buds, we're transported to another world. Soft, expressive, and with a roundness never before seen. A level of elegance that even makes the wine a touch regal. Soft berries, fine minerals, and delicate spices. Unlike other Cabernet Franc wines, Eden High Density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc is smooth and creamy. A top wine or as Gavin Bruwer calls it: The crescendo of the Raats wines.
