Raats Cabernet Franc 2020 - 750ml

95pts Vinous

The 2020 Cabernet Franc Family comes from vines in the Skoonheid vineyard just up from Raat's house, undergoing a 30% whole bunch ferment to enhance its purity. This has a more opulent nose, far more fruit-forward than the Dolomite with layers of dark cherry, boysenberry and dried violet petal notes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, an unerring sense of symmetry with great precision on the finish. Top class.

93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Opening with a voluminous nose of dark red fruits and layers of spicy pepper essences, the 2020 Family Cabernet Franc offers notes of sweet roasted red peppers and clove in the glass. Medium-bodied, it bursts with a dark cherry expression laced with notions of spiced plums before lively and complex herbal essences wade across the mid-palate with layers of complexity and juicy fruit essences. The wine is structured, balanced and complex, leaving me wanting a second and third sip. If you enjoy Cabernet Franc, you'll want to put this on your list. Only 8,700 bottles were produced after resting a year and a half in 25% new French oak barrels. Nicely done!

93pts James Suckling

Complex and perfumed nose of cloves, anise, fresh strawberries, mulberries and chopped chives. Medium-bodied, fine and beautifully framed, with firm and ultra-fine tannins. All about freshness and precision. Drink or hold.

93pts Decanter

Opens up quite beautifully in the glass with classy red and black berries infused with graphite. Lovey fluidity and freshness with good inky depth. Oak evident but not overbearing, well weighted palate, perhaps a bit warm, but classic with lovely balance overall. Nominated by Fiona McDonald.

91pts Wine Enthusiast

Aromatic and spicy notes of licorice, clove and black pepper emerge from the glass of this flavorful Cabernet Franc. Sturdy tannins and optimal acidity provide support to red fruit, spices and dried thyme. 

91pts Wine Spectator

Offers a core of ripe red and black currant fruit, showing notes of black olive, game and bay leaf layered with lightly chewy tannins. This creamy, well-knit, medium- to full-bodied red lingers on the spiced finish. Drink now through 2030. 112 cases imported.

Winemaker's Notes

Nestled within the verdant expanse of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Raats Family Wines presents the Family Cabernet Franc 2020, a varietal that encapsulates the essence and complexity of its origins. Revered for its sophisticated expression and dedication to quality, this Cabernet Franc is a reflection of the winery's commitment to crafting wines of distinction.