Raats
DeMorgenzon
Maestro Red Blend 2015
This is their Bordeaux style red. The nose shows; dark currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, blueberries, strawberries & cherries. Dark chocolate, vanilla, dark spice, clove, some nutmeg, dark fruit cola, black licorice, a whiff of cherry cough syrup with dark, red and blue fresh & withering florals.
The body is near full with dark, meat, tarry and sticky tannins. The structure, tension, length and balance allow it to drink early but needs to be held 6-8 years plus. Dark currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, blueberries, strawberries & cherries. Dark chocolate, vanilla, dark spice, clove, some nutmeg, dark fruit cola, black licorice, a whiff of cherry cough syrup, deep, dark, heat penetrating dark spice, tobacco with ash, big leather with dark, red and blue fresh & withering florals. The acidy is good. The finish is nice, balanced but needs time to reveal its best self. 91 now with the potential for a little higher score in six to eight years.
We also had their 2017 Divas Chenin Blanc. It was very enjoyable but, didn’t have time to take notes as we had to get to Raats.
DeMorgenzon translates into morning sun.
Photos of; the grounds around DeMorgenzon, barrel room and stainless tanks in their cellar. — 7 years ago
Raats
Original Polkadraai Hills Unoaked Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2022
Starts out with a great nose. Lots of ripe yellow pear, quince and guava with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The texture is a little on the crunchy side as opposed to the smooth velveeta texture that you can get from a nice Vouvray — 2 years ago
Raats Family Wines
Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2019
Wines of South Africa tasting 🇿🇦 : soft pineapple, lime, quite tropical but not over ripe — 4 years ago
Raats
Angel's Selection Stellenbosch Malbec Cabernet Franc
Good with Sunday roast beef — 5 years ago
Raats
Angel's Selection Chenin Blanc
A good solid white wine. Had what I refer to as an initial zing on the palate but after a couple of sips this subsided to more of a general tangy acidity. Flavour lingers long after a sip and generally very pleasant. Consumed with pork and Welsh cheddar sausages, herbed new potatoes and carrots and they worked okay together but found the wine more enjoyable solo than with the meal. — 7 years ago
Raats
Red Jasper Red Blend 2015
This is the wine we choose every single time at Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's abt a $50 bottle after Dianey's markup. It's not something I'd buy to drink at home. — 7 years ago
Delaire (Laurence Graff Wines)
Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 1999
Made by Bruwer Raats. One of the best secrets in South African wine. Incredible! — 9 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
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. — 8 days ago