2014 Raats Family Wines Red Jasper Stellenbosch

2014 Raats Family Wines Red Jasper Stellenbosch

2014 Raats Family Wines Red Jasper Stellenbosch VINEYARDS: Red Jasper’s grapes are sourced from vineyards in Stellenbosch that are planted on dolomite granite which gives a great acidity and freshness to the wine adding minerality to the finish. The vines range from 19 to 26 years old.

VINTAGE: The 2014 harvest was one of very high quality. The month of January was warm but during February and March they had more moderate temperatures and a little rain which contributed to slower ripening. The result was the development of healthy grapes which had great flavor and color.

VINIFICATION AND MATURATION: Individual vineyard blocks were handpicked at perfect ripeness. The grapes were hand sorted three times then crushed and left to cold soak on the skins for five days before fermentation. Once fermentation was complete the wine was basket pressed and racked to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. It was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (20% second fill 30% third fill and 50% fourth fill) and was bottled without fining or filtration.

TASTING NOTES: Red Jasper is a tribute to Bruwer’s late father Jasper who was one of Raats’ founders and the viticulturist for nine years. This complex Cabernet Franc-driven Bordeaux blend shows blackberry and black cherry on the nose along with the perfume and violets one would expect from an 60% Cabernet Franc wine. The palate offers luscious brambly berry fruit intertwined with hints of tobacco anise and dark chocolate. Silky tannins caress the palate and a lovely minerality shines through on the long supple finish.