Eden High Density Chenin, Polkadraii Hills, Raats Family Wines, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2023 (Copy)

Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2024 90 Points
Bruwer Raats uses younger vine parcels to make this Polkadraai Hills Chenin Blanc, ageing the result on lees for six months in stainless steel. Lime, citrus and granite-derived minerality combine neatly on the palate, driven by crunchy acidity and green apple crunch. 2024-29. 90 Points, TA, 2024.Bruwer Raats, Stellenbosch

Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.

Decomposed Granite soils planted at 8000 vines per hectare planted in 2009 and trained in an individually staked trellis system at 8000 vines per hectare. Grapes were hand harvest during the second week of February. All grapes are from the Raats Eden High Density single vineyard block in Polkadraai, Stellenbosch.

From vineyards with an average age of 35 years. Vines are grown in both decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone soils. A combination of trellised and bush vines, irrigated as well as dry land that yield approximately 7 – 8 tons per hectare.

Grapes were whole bunch pressed to tank, where natural cold settling took place, from here the juice was racked to its fermentation vessel. The natural fermentation took place in concrete egg, about 65% of the wine, while the balance fermented in French oak barrels. The wine was kept on its lees for 11 months in concrete and oak barrels, before the wine was prepared for bottling.

The wines fresh and delicate yet inviting nose displays peach blossom, greengage, lime, green apple, white peach, pineapple, ginger, angelica and peppery spiciness. The palate shows notes of quince, granadilla, kumquat, mandarin orange, melon, pear and lemon-meringue against a backdrop of steely minerality. Hints of roasted hazelnuts and almonds add to the complexity of the palate. The wine is exceptionally linear and fresh with a fine texture and finishes with notes of fennel and the ginger spiciness promised by the nose.

Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc