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Raats Family Red Jasper 2015

The 2015 is a true gem: 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. The walk in the Black Forest continues with blue –and blackberry dancing on a tight rope with focus and concentration, following through onto a perfectly balanced, fine-grained, velvety palate. The finish lingers with hints of fresh mint, cinnamon and perfume. Complex and structured, a true iron fist in a silky glove.

Roast beef, beef carbonnade, plainly grilled, lazy-aged sirloin or rib-eye, ostrich and venison dishes.


variety : Cabernet Franc [ 48% Cabernet Franc, 36% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot ]
winemaker : Bruwer Raats / Gavin Bruwer Slabbert
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 14.0 % vol  rs : 3.2 g/l  pH : 3.55  ta : 5.5 g/l  
type : Red  style : Dry   wooded
pack : Bottle  size : 750ml  closure : Cork  

AWARDS
  • 2015 - scored 89 points by  Wine Enthusiast (April 2018).
  • 2015 - scored 91 points Wine Spectator (Feb. 2018).
  • 2015 - 4½ stars John Platter.
  • 2015 - scored 91 points by Tim Atkin SA Report (September 2017).
  • 2015 - scored 88 points by Christian Eedes from Winemag (September 2017).
  • 2015 - Double gold winner at the TOP 100 SA Wine Challenge (2017).
  • 2015 - scored 92 points by Neal Martin from The Wine Advocate (April 2017).
  • 2014 - scored 92 points by Tim Atkin - 2016 South Africa Special Report (September 2016).
  • 2014 - Top 100 SA Wine Challenge - Double Silver Award (April 2016)
  • 2013 - 4½ stars by Perswijn Magazine 16/7 (November 2016).
  • 2013 - 4½ stars John Platter 2016. 
  • 2013 - 92 points by Neal Martin from The Wine Advocate (December 2015).
  • 2013 - scored 90 points from Wine Enthusiast (December 2015)
  • 2013 - scored 91 points by Tim Atkin (2015)
  • 2013 - scored 90+ points by Stephen Tanzer (June 2015).
  • 2013 - TOP100 SA wines (April 2015)
  • 2013 - scored 90-92 points by Neal Martin from The Wine Advocate (October 2014).
  • 2012 - 4½ stars John Platter 2015. 
  • 2012 - scored 92 points by Tim Atkin (July 2014).
  • 2012 - TOP100 SA wines 2014.
  • 2012 - scored 91 point by Neal Martin from The Wine Advocate (October 2013).

ageing : 

6 to 8 years

The Red Jasper is one of the oldest gemstones and also embodied the name of our beloved Father, Jasper Raats Sr., who was one of the founders and viticulturists of Raats Family Wines. This wine is an ode to him and celebrates his life and the passion he had for cultivating quality Cabernet Franc. The Red Jasper gemstone brings hidden feelings to the surface, creates harmony and offers new perspective, just like our father did.

in the vineyard : 

Soil Type: 100% Decomposed Dolomite Granite.
Age of vines : 19 - 26 years.

about the harvest: 


The 2015 harvest was one of very high quality. The month of January was warm, but during February and March, we had more moderate temperatures and a little rain, that contributed to slower ripening. The result was the development of healthy grapes, which had great flavour and colour.

Grape Sugar : 24 - 25° Balling
Acidity : 6.0 g/l
pH at Harvest : 3.45

in the cellar : 

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

Wood Ageing: 16 months in French tight grain oak barrels (20% second, 30% third fill and 50% fourth fill)

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Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc