Raats Family Wines, Red Jasper
Exceptionally intense and complex on the nose with blackberry, black cherry and bramble in abundance and subtle hints of forest floor, dark chocolate, aniseed and spicy tobacco. Concentrated, perfectly balanced, fine-grained, velvety palate. The finish lingers with hints of fresh mint, cinnamon and perfume. Complex and structured.
From trellissed and bush vines averaging 21 – 28 years old grown on 100% decomposed dolomite granite soils.
The 2019 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 43% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot.
Grapes were hand sorted three times, crushed and left to cold soak on the skins for five days. After fermentation the grapes were basket pressed and allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 16 months prior to bottling. Fermentation Temperature: 28°C. 16 months in French tight grain oak barrels (20% second, 30% third fill and 50% fourth fill).
Wine Safari 95 Points.
Elegant, generous offering packed full of charm and finesse. The aromatics are delightfully subtle yet complex with notes of sweet allspice, blueberries and black raspberries, dark chocolate, dried cigars, sandalwood and freshly tilled earth nuances. As you would expect from a blend that is half Cabernet Franc, there is a seriously fine pin point texture that is both expansive and creamy but also shows an impressive weightless concentration. Medium bodied, the palate is supple and polished revealing a thirst-quenching freshness and approachable tannins on a long, persistent finish. Ready to drink now, this turbo charged Jasper will undoubtedly benefit from a few more years in the cellar. This is a very classy Cape Bordeaux blend indeed. June 2022.
Vinous 90 Points
An intense nose of black cherries, boysenberry, cassis and iodine; tobacco notes emerge with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with grainy tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a harmonious finish. This slips down the throat with ease. 90 Points, NM, June 2022
