Raats Jasper Red Blend 2013
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Blend: 85% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Petit Verdot, 2.5% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Red Jasper is a blend of 85% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, and 2.5% each of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Thus far, it represents the largest proportion of Cabernet Franc. Raised for 16 months in French oak (20% new), over the last 12 months it has evolved a more classic, tobacco-tinged bouquet that remains very well defined. The palate is also less fleshy, revealing its structure and agreeable austerity that renders this very "classic" in style. The acidity is perfectly in tune with the fruit with an almost foursquare finish. This is a perfect Claret doppelgänger in everything but price.
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Wine & Spirits
More overtly cabernet franc-y than the 2012, this blend is on the plump edge of elegant, with complex scents of pomegranate, green olive and pine fronds. It gets plummier with air, the texture light, the fruit a little stewy, but firm, gripping and clean. Decant this for roast venison.
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Wine Enthusiast
Known for working well with the grape, this Raats wine is Cabernet Franc dominant (85%), with additional components of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Forward scents of green pepper, tobacco leaf, cigar ash and menthol are framed by a fruity spice of blackberry and cassis. The medium-weight mouthfeel is approachable yet structured, with fine-grain tannins and a licorice-infused, brambly berry finish. Drink now–2019. Editors' Choice.
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James
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Robert
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Raats Family Wines, founded in 2001 by brothers Bruwer and Jasper Raats, is focused solely on crafting world class Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, best known as the premier grapes of France's Loire Valley. The small, family-owned winery has quickly established itself as a New World leader in the production of these two varietals, garnering tremendous critical acclaim – including consistent 90+ ratings – and a dedicated fan base.
Raats is truly a family operation, and the clan firmly believes that South Africa's proliferation of older Chenin Blanc vineyards provides a unique opportunity to craft terroir-driven wines that serve as international benchmarks for the varietal. Raats owns several hectares of estate vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills. In addition, they source Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc from several extremely low-yielding old vines parcels where Bruwer maintains complete control of viticulture. These sites are characterized by complex soils of sandstone and decomposed granite.
For Bruwer, the greatest part of crafting wines under your own label is that "you don't have to worry about shareholders or catering to a market, or to keeping within a cellar's style. You can have freedom of expression in something that you believe in." The Raats family continues to win over hordes of thirsty consumers worldwide with their passionate belief in the classic, versatile and decidedly stylish varietals of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.