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Today's Wine Review

2022 Raats Family South African (Red Blend) "Red Jasper"

Raats 2022 Red Jasper

Winery: Raats Family

Vintage: 2022

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Red Jasper"

Wine Category: South African (Red Blend)

Grape blend: 49% Cabernet Franc, 35% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Merlot, & 3.5% Petit Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Stellenbosch

State or country: South Africa

Price: $23

Cases produced: 5,350

KWG Score: 91.3 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91.5)

Review date: March 26, 2025

Wine Review: This opaque and deep ruby Cabernet Franc based blend from South Africa is a very good value. It opens with a pencil shavings and blackberry bouquet with hints of oak and black plum. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, smooth and mouthwatering. The flavor profile is graphite and black licorice blend with notes of black plum and tobacco. I also detected hints of green olive, black pepper, and oak. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity, and moderate dusty tannins are nicely sustained. I would pair this red blend with a wild boar ragu over your favorite pasta. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: 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 a 49% 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.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Raats 2022 Red Jasper.

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