Region 1

Raats

Original Unwooded Chenin Blanc 2023

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.
— 4 months ago

Freddy, Tom and 2 others liked this

Sadie Family

Palladius Swartland White Blend 2011

Vintage 2018 | paired with turkey cream sauce — 5 months ago

Rob, Tom and 6 others liked this

RdV Vineyards

Lost Mountain Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

Very robust, really good leather and earthy, some dark dried fruit. So good. — 6 months ago

Rivka FriedmanNavin NayakElizabeth Daggett
with Rivka, Navin and 1 other

Tyrrell's Wines

Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 2011

See previous Delectable note in December 2024. Amazingly pale for a 14 year old white. Aromatics of lemon, lanolin and wet straw. It hasn’t yet developed the toasty characters I was expecting, indicating still a long life ahead. Overall this is delicate on a light bodied leanish palate. Only 11% ABV. Lovers of big buttery Chardonnay may not appreciate this wine. 3 bottles left - I will try and have the next one in 12 to 18 months. — 8 months ago

Dave, Tom and 24 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Bob McDonald, I am envious, but too old as well to be buying wines like this that have barely evolved after a decade. Cheers!
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Doug Powers That is a reality facing me as well Doug but it doesn’t stop me buying certain Burgundies however. I guess someone will enjoy them one day.

Kanonkop Estate

Kadette Stellenbosch Pinotage Blend 2024

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

Meerlust

Rubicon Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2017

Vintage 2017 | magnum | well developed rounded Cabernet Sauvignon — 5 months ago

Tom, Bob and 8 others liked this

Mullineux Family Wines

Swartland Syrah 2023

Deep cherry red with violet. Black pepper. Blueberry blackberry leather nutmeg clove
Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M Acidity M Tannin M+ Soft Bitterness M Body M+ Finish M 14% Elegant but Concentrated Robust Mullineux Family Wines Swartland Syrah 23 @6160, AD, 251225
— 5 months ago

MAN Family Wines

Free-Run Steen Coastal Region Chenin Blanc 2023

Still a solid value — 7 months ago

Sarah Bignami
with Sarah
Ceccherini, Tom and 6 others liked this

Kanonkop Estate

Paul Sauer Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2019

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
— 8 months ago

Andrew, Tom and 2 others liked this

Rustenberg

John X Merriman Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007

8/2025. Very nice cab Merlot blend. Nice flavor and finish. Nice on the palate. — 9 months ago

Ted, Robin and 1 other liked this

Locations Wine

F-1 Red Blend

Ted
8.9

Another good locations wine. — 3 years ago

Jeni
with Jeni
Jose, Sharon and 4 others liked this

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines

Swartland Red Rhone Blend 2015

John Howard
9.2

Delish and interesting. — 4 months ago

Dave, Brandon and 8 others liked this

The Grape Grinder

Paarl Pinotage 2023

Good with food. — 4 months ago

Nadine Pierce
with Nadine

Kanonkop Estate

Kadette Cape Blend 2022

Smooth,semi dry, hint of berries, easy drinking wine. — 5 months ago

Dave, jesus and 1 other liked this

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines

Secateurs Swartland Chenin Blanc

This was fantastic honey, apple, waxy, and mineral all for less than 20 dollars — 6 months ago

Rogue Vine

Grand Itata Los Amigos Red Blend 2023

standard light crisp a little funky a little sea beeeze

found at central park liquor. mom and hunter hated it 👌
— 8 months ago

Thelema Mountain Vineyards

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Smooth, rich balanced cab. Pure berry flavor with a touch of tannin. Flinty bouquet moderated by a hint of spice. Simply fantastic. — 9 months ago

Naveen Chopra
with Naveen
Tom, Bob and 2 others liked this

Viñedo de los Vientos

Alcyone Atlàntida Tannat 2017

Sweet Tannat from Uruguay, that alone is praise. — 10 months ago

Daniel, Ted and 3 others liked this

King Family Vineyards

Meritage Monticello Merlot Blend 2019

Drank it with a French guy who said it was great. Good enough for me! — 4 years ago