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Buy OnlineBruwer Raats is a gentle giant of a man and his reputation is starting to match his stature. His mastery of chenin blanc and cabernet franc is bringing him praise from around the world as "the most exciting and forward thinking winemaker" in Stellenbosch.
As part of the new wave of South African winemakers, Bruwer crafts soil specific wines that embody the unique characteristics of the region. With hand harvesting, whole bunch pressing and using natural fermentation without fining or filtering it helps him create wines that are world class.
Winery notes (2024 Vintage)
"Step into the legacy of Polkadraai Hills with our Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024. Crafted from Chenin Blanc this wine pays homage to its roots, echoing the tales of generations past. Each sip embodies the essence of the Cape of Good Hope, where tradition meets innovation, and the spirit of winemaking thrives.
The wine offers a complex nose showing quince, white peach and yellow apple, with fenugreek spices give more dimension alongside the mineral intensity of the wine. The stone fruit character follows through onto an exceptionally balanced, very delicate and fine textured palate showing a peach-melba character with an exquisite length and freshness. The wine lingers with hints of ripe nectarine and apricot, zesty lemon and wet chalk.
50% of the wine was fermented and matured in 300 and 500 litre French oak barrels to accentuate the soft, luscious flavours; 50% fermented in stainless steel to contribute a crisp acidity and bright citrus flavours. After 11 months, the two components are blended together and left on the lees for a further 2 months before bottling."
93/100 James Suckling (2024 Vintage)
"This cool white shows honey, sliced apples and hints of hazelnuts and salted butter on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied, textured and layered, with a delicious combination of fruit and salty, savory flavors."
91/100 Vinous (2024 Vintage)
"The 2024 Chenin Blanc Old Vine is fermented half in 300 and 500-litre used oak barrels and half in stainless steel, blended after 11 months. Slightly darker in hue than the "Original", this is very pure on the nose, beautifully defined with dried honey commingling with lemon verbena and hints of lanolin. The palate is very well balanced with a keen line of acidity, a little more tensile and energetic compared to the Old Vine cuvée, with a healthy dash of lemongrass on the finish. Excellent."
