2012 Mr De Compostella, Raats Family Wines, Stellenbosch, South Africa

The latest release is the 2012 MR de Compostella, which this year is a blend of 28% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 18% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot, each grape variety assessed blind after one year in barrel before the final blend was made. In total it spent 22 months in barrel of which one-third is new French oak, the remainder second and third-fill. It has an exquisite bouquet with mineral-laden dark berries and cassis fruit that come across so natural and refined. Who said South Africa cannot do elegance? The palate is very well defined, supple and cohesive with just a touch of white pepper that lend tension and verve on the finish. This is one of the best vintages I have tasted...so far. Exceptional.


96 points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate #215 Oct 2014

Critic score
96/100
Pricing
In bond
Duty paid
Bottle
From a client
2 available
£66.00
Buy Duty Paid
Bottle
From a client
Report
1 available
£66.67
Buy Duty Paid
Bottle
From a client
2 available
£69.34
Buy Duty Paid

WINE DETAILS

  • Region & country
    Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
  • Grape
    28% Cabernet Franc
    23% Cabernet Sauvignon
    21% Malbec/Auxerrois
    18% Petit Verdot
    10% Merlot
  • Maturity
    Ready 2016 - 2026
  • Colour
    Red
  • Sweetness
    Dry
  • Style
    Still
  • Unit Volume
    Bottle (75cl.)
2012 Mr De Compostella, Raats Family Wines, Stellenbosch, South Africa

TASTING NOTES

The latest release is the 2012 MR de Compostella, which this year is a blend of 28% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 18% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot, each grape variety assessed blind after one year in barrel before the final blend was made. In total it spent 22 months in barrel of which one-third is new French oak, the remainder second and third-fill. It has an exquisite bouquet with mineral-laden dark berries and cassis fruit that come across so natural and refined. Who said South Africa cannot do elegance? The palate is very well defined, supple and cohesive with just a touch of white pepper that lend tension and verve on the finish. This is one of the best vintages I have tasted...so far. Exceptional.

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, Issue #215 (October 2014)
96/100