Medium lemon , hints of gold , quite a healthy colour with fine pretty persistent bubbles still . This quite intense with candied lemon peel , brioche , oyster shells , touch of porcini . On the palate this is intense ,with good volume and vibrant acidity. Buttered brioche , oyster shell , candied orange and lemon peel . Really quite lovely and intense , long and toasted brioche , chalky finish . This is at peak now , but no rush from here over the next 5 perhaps 10 years . — 7 months ago
Majestic - really nice, a little different. Quite strong — a year ago
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
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
Выпито третьим вином на этой дегустации . 2023 год. — 6 months ago
South Africa throwback. Very good. — 8 months ago
We really enjoyed this. — 4 months ago
Good with food. — 4 months ago
This was fantastic honey, apple, waxy, and mineral all for less than 20 dollars — 6 months ago
Touch of sweetness at first glance, perish and strong sensation after taste — 3 years ago
Ashley Revay
Lovely complex Pinot while celebrating bean’s birthday! — 3 months ago