Raats Cabernet Franc 2021

The 2021 Cabernet Franc Family comes from vines slightly higher up the incline from the Dolomite on shallower, more quartz soils that produce tighter bunches, basket-pressed and aged for 18 months in 25% new oak. It has a floral bouquet with wilted iris flowers, black plum, melted tar and rosemary aromas. Complex. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a crisp bead of acidity, structured with graphite and white pepper on its grippy, off-dry finish. A ‘cool,’ almost aloof Cabernet Franc that will age with panache. Drinking window: 2025-2040. Score – 94. (Neal Martin, vinous.com, Nov. 2, 2023)