Dear *|FNAME|*,

The 2019 Raats Dolomite Cabernet Franc is a stunning release! 'This is a brilliant Cabernet Franc,' enthuses Neal Martin, while Tim Atkin MW says, 'it's a Cape version of a Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil.' The Raats team come together as the undisputed Kings of Cabernet Franc in SA, and their high standards and focus on quality trickle down to this 'second' wine, leading to extraordinary value!

The Dolomite Cabernet Franc has built a solid reputation on its quality; with previous vintages having received a Platter's 5-star rating as well as having placed in the Top 5 of Winemag's Alternative Varieties Report. The quality of the 2019's elegant tannins together with its perfume and finesse, are typical of the finest examples of Cabernet Franc. As pioneers and champions of the variety, Raats has raised the bar yet again.

The Raats Family Cabernet Franc is SA's most lauded Cabernet Franc. The latest 2019 release is called a 'Cape benchmark' in the Platter's Guide (96/100), and has 'beguiling purity' according to Neal Martin. Sumptuous, yet elegant and svelte, it is long and detailed with refined tannins that linger on and on. This has decades of evolution ahead.

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Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Raats, Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2019

'The 2019 Cabernet Franc Dolomite has an energetic, tensile nose of wonderfully defined red and black fruit, sage, bell pepper and clove aromas; hints of dried blood emerge with time. The palate is very well balanced, taut and fresh, with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a harmonious, sophisticated finish, and suggestions of black pepper on the aftertaste. This is a brilliant Cabernet Franc from Raats that will age gloriously. Drink 2022-2042.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 95/100 (Nov 2021)

'Dolomite has been doing its thing since 2010, expressing the charm, perfume and balance of Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc for more than a decade. Lightly wooded, with 40% whole bunches and notes of green herbs and red berries, it's a Cape version of a Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil. Drink 2022-26.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 91/100

''Entry level' in this range but one of the best around, 2019 stays true to form. Lithe & fresh, with earthy blackcurrants, forest-floor leafiness, velvet ripe tannins, hints of iodine & salt. 14 months older French oak.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (90/100)

Raats, Family Cabernet Franc 2019

'Cape benchmark, always shows sublime varietal expression, classic-inclined styling. 2019 tense & mineral, with ink & iodine woven with lean blackcurrant fruit, leafy-earthy core, all in fine harmony after 18 months in mostly seasoned oak.' – Platter's Guide, 5* (96/100)

'Dominated by fruit from Bruwer Raats' beloved Polkadraai Hills, this is a Chinon-style Cabernet Franc with lots of perfume, black cherry, capsicum and red pepper flavours, floral top notes, fine 25% new oak and a balanced, granitic finish. Drink 2023-28.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 94/100

'The 2019 Cabernet Franc Family has a very engaging nose, more savory than other Cabernet Francs, featuring dried blood, meat juices, white pepper and fennel. Wonderful. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and finely judged acidity. Sour cherry and black truffle develop toward the harmonious finish. There is a beguiling purity to this Cabernet Franc, and it will age supremely well in bottle. Drink 2023-2040.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Nov 2021)

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