2014 South Africa

The 2014 Chenin Blanc has a lightly honeyed bouquet that showed some volatility. The palate is quite fat on the entry with low acidity, what feels like a heavy worked and honeyed Chenin Blanc that does not really articulate the grape variety in accomplished fashion. Two bottles opened with consistent notes.
Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (autumn 2015) 

This is predominantly Shiraz, with Grenache and Carignan. The nose hints at brambles and dark chocolate. The dark fruit character continues on the palate with notes of white pepper spice and smokiness. Medium-bodied and ripe on the palate, the finish is fruit-led and persistent.
Katherine Dart MW, Wine Buyer

Cassis fruit, blackcurrant leaf and hints of smoky spice create an immediate sense of complexity on the nose of this Bordeaux blend. As is characteristic of this wine, the refined texture is courtesy of gloriously smooth tannins and a velvety mouth-feel, showing a sophistication that belies its price.

Bruwer Raat crafts soil-specific wines that embody the unique characteristics of the Stellenbosch wine region. Mvemve Raats (MR) de Compostella is a collaborative venture with his friend Mzokhona Mvemve. Just one wine is made each year: a Bordeaux blend. The composition changes, because they both taste through the barrels and only those that score 90-plus when sampled blind make it to the final blend.

Cabernet Franc may lead the pack in this Bordeaux blend but its, sometimes rather lean, personality is brilliantly balanced by the weight of its companions. It brings tremendous grace to this otherwise powerful blend; adding red fruit and freshness to the dark kernel of brooding fruit. An outstanding example of what can be achieved when Old World reserve meets New World flair; ripe fruit allied to a bright disposition and silky, refined structure.

2014 is being described by Matthew Day as the vintage of the decade and it is easy to see why. Vivid gold in colour, the nose is open and expressive even at this early stage. Candid orange peel, backed peaches and apricots with a hint of honey dominate the nose, but there is nuance and spice here in the guise of fresh ginger, nutmeg and kerosene. The palate is rich, opulent and fruit forward, coating one’s mouth with sweet marmalade and apricot frangipane, but there is freshness on the midpalate with hints of tangerine and honeysuckle. Well balanced with plenty of concentration on the long, sticky finish. Exceedingly pleasurable and drinkable from the get go.
Simon Herriot, Private Account Manager

An elegantly crafted blend of 52% Syrah, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot. The wine is rich and layered, with spice and violets give way to red cherry and damson fruit on the nose. Succulent and supple on the palate, with fine acidity and velvety tannins, excellent persistence on the finish. Drink 2019 – 2025.
Stuart Rae, Private Account Manager (winter 2018)