Barny

9.4

Wine 1500 🙈 ; opened for World Cup starting 2026 Mexico and South Africa; The cork popped off…; but still managed to get the fine juice out 😉; Vintage 2006, just like the „Summer Fairy Tale“ of the World Cup in Germany; and the wine leaves you wanting more „mehr Lust“, beautifully aged, fine fruit 😋 Wishing everyone a wonderful and peaceful World Cup — 14 days ago

Irina Georgieva

9.2

Nice wine, strong taste, but balanced. — 3 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

Vintage 2017 | cherry, clove, flint. Taste with character, acidity (which often is very low in pinotage), nice bitterness and long aftertaste. — 4 months ago

David White

9.3

Forrester’s Mighty Chenin
Excellent nose and palate of citrus lemon limes melons and long lasting flavours. One of the best Cape Chenin’s over the years.
Top stuff — 5 months ago

George

9.8

Smooth,semi dry, hint of berries, easy drinking wine. — 6 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

Vintage 2022 | much character! Purple rim. Cassis, leather. Infanticide but so much potential. We tasted the wine after popped and pour, I am sure with a few hours decanter my appreciation would be + 0,2. The wine screams for food, as tannins are very present now. — 7 months ago

David White

9.4

See earlier note, this is a great Bordeaux blend- 75% Cab Sauvignon , 14% Cab Franc and 11% Merlot.
A deep ruby colour with nice berry fruit nose and good acidity and long finish.
Excellent wine — 9 months ago

Elizabeth

9.7

This is one of Parker’s favorite orange wines. For me it is a very tolerable white, almost seems like it wants to be a red when it grows up someday. We got at MKE city market - thief wine. — a month ago

Ming L

9.2

From the excellent 2017 Stellenbosch vintage, this Bordeaux blend leans into its Cabernet Franc (43%) core. Aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and graphite are lifted by a herbal edge. The fresh bell pepper note is quite distinct initially and might be off putting for some. The palate is structured yet balanced, with fine tannins and bright acidity supporting ripe but controlled fruit. Subtle iron and tobacco nuances add depth.

Will continue to improve in the bottle and drink beautifully the next 10-15 years. — 2 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

Vintage 2015 | dark colour, morello cherries, sweet smoked bell pepper, sweetness and elegance — 4 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Dark ruby red color, some purple edges, with aromas of dark fruits and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry and blackberry with vanilla, cedar and cinnamon spice. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, cedar and spice. — 5 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Dark ruby red color, purple edges, with aromas of dark fruits and baking spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry and blackberry with vanilla, cedar and cinnamon spice. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, cedar and spice. — 7 months ago

James Everhart

9.0

Not quite as good as the 2018, which The winemaker admitted at a tasting, but still first rate. A decent match for the traditional Thanksgiving dishes. — 7 months ago

Megan

9.2

Majestic - really nice, a little different. Quite strong — a year ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

vintage 2023 — 15 days ago

David White

9.3

See earlier notes — 20 days ago

Ana Bumgardner

9.0

3/19/26 - Boma African buffet - 2025 vintage - really solid chard — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Deep Ruby color with aromas of dark black fruits, smoky herb and woody pepper spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with cacao, burnt tobacco, vanilla and black pepper. Firm tannins, medium+ finish with fruit and spicy smoky oak ending. Will age a bit, 750 cases imported. — 4 months ago

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. — 5 months ago

Matt Waring

9.0

Medium body, raspberry, strong but pleasant oak, soft tannin, a lovely wine — 8 months ago

with Andy