After making wine around the world and honing his craft in the Cape, Bruwer Raats established Raats Family Wines in 2000. Guided by a policy of ‘excellence through specialisation’, he focused on two then-unfashionable grape varieties: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Purchasing modest plots in the Polkadraai Hills, Bruwer quickly discovered that the unique granite-based terroir produced exceptional wines. Today, his Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, along with the iconic MR de Compostella, are considered some of South Africa’s finest expressions of these varieties.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-sorted three times, crushed, and left to cold soak on the skins for five days. After fermentation at 28°C, the wine is basket-pressed and undergoes malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. It is then aged for 18 months in French Vicard and Mercury oak barrels to develop complexity and depth.

Tasting Note

A luscious and elegant Cabernet Franc, harmoniously blending blackberry, black cherry, and plum with notes of tobacco, cinnamon, and spice. Soft, refined tannins integrate seamlessly, while hints of dark chocolate and minerality linger on the long finish. A wine crafted with care, designed to be savoured slowly.

Viticulture

Vines are grown at elevations between 300 and 400 meters above sea level in decomposed dolomite granite soils. The vineyards are unirrigated, yielding approximately 6 tons per hectare, producing concentrated and expressive fruit.

Food Matching

Pairs beautifully with rich meat dishes, including pork loin, beef fillet, or game.

Awards

• Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2022: 94 Points – “Gloriously perfumed and intense, this textbook Cabernet Franc is a delightful expression of the Polkadraai Hills… 2023-30.”

• Vinous 95 Points – “The 2020 Cabernet Franc Family from Skoonheid vineyard is fruit-forward with dark cherry, boysenberry, and violet notes, medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins and excellent symmetry.”

Technical Details

Varieties: Cabernet Franc 100%
Oak Ageing: 18 Months, French oak, 100% oaked, 30% new oak

We strive to provide fast and reliable delivery, with Free Express Delivery on orders over £150 (UK Mainland only).

Express Delivery

Orders placed by 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.
Orders placed after 2pm Thursday arrive on Monday.
Orders placed after 2pm Friday arrive on Tuesday.
A signature is required, with GPS-confirmed tracking.
Bank Holidays and seasonal holidays are not considered working days by couriers.

Standard Delivery

Economy (2-3 working days) – Orders placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.

Learn more about our Delivery Service here.