Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Raats — Original Chenin Blanc 2023
Stellenbosch, South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
An approachable, unoaked Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, delivering expressive aromatics, bright natural acidity, and effortless drinkability. Crafted in a clean, purity-driven style, this wine highlights Chenin’s fruit clarity and freshness rather than oak influence, making it an easygoing yet polished crowd pleaser.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh melon, ripe pear, subtle citrus peel, and gentle tropical notes lead the nose. On the palate, juicy stone fruit and honeydew glide alongside light floral tones, finishing with clean citrus lift and refreshing clarity.

Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium bodied, supple, and silky with crisp acidity keeping everything lively and balanced. Smooth texture without weight or heaviness, making it dangerously easy to enjoy by the glass.

Food Pairings
Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers. Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette. Sushi or ceviche. Soft cheeses and light antipasti. Perfect as an aperitif.

Verdict
A joyful, highly drinkable Chenin Blanc that delivers aromatic charm, freshness, and balance without trying to overcomplicate things. A reliable crowd favorite that showcases why South Africa continues to shine with Chenin.

Did You Know?
South Africa is the world’s largest producer of Chenin Blanc, where the grape is historically known as Steen. It thrives in the Cape’s sunshine and cooling maritime influences, allowing producers like Raats to craft styles ranging from crisp and approachable to world-class age-worthy bottlings.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is pure “easy pleasure” wine, aromatic, refreshing, and endlessly drinkable. Perfect for casual gatherings, warm afternoons, and effortless sipping when you want quality without overthinking the glass. — 9 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

My last bottle of the 2015 Bindi Original Vineyard Pinot. Pale in colour - almost transparent. More savoury, mulchy, Sous Bois than the tasting note in 2021 but it is red fruited with raspberry notes. Fine tannins. I don’t buy much wine these days but I do try to buy Bindi most years. I just received a mixed 6 and put away a couple of bottles of the 2023 Original Vineyard Pinot into the cellar. — 10 months ago

Z. R.G.

8.9

Good on its own — 4 years ago

Sean Townley

9.0

Some funk up front. Better on day 2 — 2 months ago

with Mairead

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Medium lemon color, aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral, honey and mineral notes. On the palate flavors of apple, peach and pear with citrus and floral wrapped in a nutty spice. Medium+ finish, lively acidity, ending with fruit, spice and savory citrus character. 230 cases, good now! — 8 months ago

Z. R.G.

8.9

Grapefruit - strawberry — a year ago

Teresa Teixeira

9.6

2021 not to dry perfect — 3 years ago

Ryan Scannura

9.5

Smokey earthy smell, reminds me of wet leaves outside. Notes of pomegranate, cranberry. Acidic, good with tuna tartare — 2 months ago

with Julien, Amanda and 1 other

Dave

9.2

Every bottle of Blantons is good, but some are gooder than others. This is gooder. — 8 months ago

Jenks

9.3

Brickhouse’s flagship Pinot, estate fruit, best barrels. Integrated tannin, cherry fruit, some savory forest notes, enjoyed over a several hours without food and the last glass was the best. Worth the wait, I dig it. — a year ago