Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2020 is a refined, terroir-expressive red from Raats Family Wines, a family-owned estate in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, South Africa known for championing Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc with precision and elegance. Founded by winemaker Bruwer Raats in 2000, the winery works closely with decomposed dolomite granite soils, which contribute vibrant acidity, fresh fruit purity and compelling minerality to its wines. This 2020 vintage is crafted primarily from Cabernet Franc (about 95 %) with a small portion of Malbec (about 5 %) to add plushness and complexity. Hand-sorted fruit was cold-soaked and fermented before ageing for roughly 12–14 months in a mix of neutral oak and concrete tanks / older barrels, allowing purity and structure to shine without heavy new oak influence. In the glass it shows dark and red cherry aromas with hints of herbs, sage and spice up front. The palate is medium- to full-bodied and layered with brambly dark berries, black cherry and savoury nuances, underpinned by a streak of graphite-like minerality and vibrant acidity. Fine, supple tannins frame the long, polished finish, making this both approachable now and capable of developing further complexity with short-term cellaring. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, game birds in rich sauces, pork loin with fruit-spice reductions or hearty autumn stews, and also complements mature, savoury cheeses. Why we love this wine? We love the perfumed aromas and flavours on this wine!
