- The latest release of an iconic South African red blend.
- Rated 97- and 98- points, respectively, by two International Masters of Wine.
- A collaboration between Bruwer Raats and Mzokhona Mvemve.
"Remember. Quality by design." Bruwer Raats says as he puts down the phone.
Raats, owner and winemaker of Raats Family Wines, is one half of the dynamic duo behind one of South Africa's top red blends, the MR De Compostella. Raats and Mzokhona Mvemve, a lifelong friend and the first recipient of the Indaba Scholarship, as well as one of South Africa's first qualified black oenologists from the University of Stellenbosch, have created a benchmark South African wine.
The latest 2020 vintage was awarded 97 points by British wine critic Neal Martin (one of his highest scores for a South African wine to date), 98 Points by Greg Sherwood MW, and five Platter's stars. Sherwood writes: "A breathtaking wine on so many levels." (I'll have to introduce you to these Masters of Wine soon.)
You see, in wine (specifically in South Africa), there are grand vintages you hear them whispering about at tastings, scared to name them out loud lest you beat them to it. (Which is why you should always keep an ear out.) But there is also great virtue in continuity, year-on-year producing something truly iconic, which with our Cape weather really is a feat in itself.
"Every vineyard has something special to offer, it is up to the winemaker whether he has the ability to unlock it. For MR de Compostella we try to unlock that something special from each of the 16 different vineyards that we use and then forge it together to create something magic." - Bruwer Raats.
The MR De Compostella has only been made in exceptional vintages since 2004 (the 2010 and 2019 were declassified and used in the Raats Jasper Red Blend due to March rains) when the stars align as the title implies.
The blend changes with the vintage, and their latest release 2020, is made up of 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 16% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. With the 2018 vintage having attained some of the highest international scores yet, 2020 simply had to be stellar, and Raats and Mvemve brought to bear their considerable experience to make it so.
Sherwood writes: "This really is a wine with a mixed palette of colours, flavours, and fruits and the most seamlessly elegant, finessed velvety tannins."
It is not strange for this to be a Cabernet Franc-led blend, given Raats' passion for this cultivar. He once described the 3x3 characteristics of his Cabernet Franc to me (a cultivar that has struggled historically in Stellenbosch but, with Raats' targeted approach, has finally lived up to its potential.)
The 3x3 characteristics have to do with its three-pronged planting requirements, its three-dimensional flavour profile, and Raats' three different styles of Cabernet Franc showcasing its scope, even if only in Stellenbosch.
All three of which you'd be well-advised to sample. The resulting wine is representative of his work in the field, adding credibility to the method and a testament to the fact that all vineyards need time to come into their own. The final blend is sourced from 16 different vineyards around Stellenbosch, taking a row of Cabernet Sauvignon here, and a block of Cabernet Franc there. It is a privilege afforded to those who have worked with these vines for many years with the promise of making something truly great.
With a price tag of R1 950 per bottle, this really is a collector's wine and something that will develop in your cellar, offering up ever-evolving compensation for your patience. If you are looking for something more immediate, you should browse Raats' complete portfolio on their website and shop direct from the farm.
The Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2019 was awarded 95 points by Martin. And the 2020 vintage, which is now available, can offer an elevated alternative to your everyday-is-it-Friday-yet-wine. Available online here.
Because, you know. Quality by design.
