Raats, Cabernet Franc Dolomite, Stellenbosch

This is all about fun! A bit mono, but still rather lively and zingy. Acid med, body med+, tannin med -. Quite high on the VA/etoh and the nose suffers a little from it. Not fat or heavy so very useful in that respect. I got it for 15€ which, for me, fits this into the category of mid-week drinks very nicely. Will hold a few, and restock on future vintages. At peak, or close, id say.

New World, modern style. A bit in your face, ripe and fresh at the same time. A bit of burnt rubber and paprika. I like the marked tannins, but less so the acidity, which feels added, unnatural, and that's the reason why the wine lacks the vinous character I look for. Time might round it out, though. Hold.

Lovely deep red, but low opacity with a faint orange tint. The nose is still ripe and typically franc, fruits, light oak. Palate smooth with soft, furry tannins, well structured, good length to the finish.

SAS - The Grape Escape (Four Points by Sheraton Singapore) : Green fern, rocket leaves, red cherries, plums, and quite a good amount of paprika and coffee. Could also get that funky earthiness as well. Very tannic, which fortunately are balanced with high acids and flavour intensity. Too young for sure, but the potential to age well is very high

Paired well with Prime Rib steak. All the fruit was there with smoke. All around good match...

Dolomite translates to decomposed. The nose has bright, ripe cassis. Blackberries, blue and purple fruits, black raspberries and poached strawberries. Dark, rich earth, a little vanilla & caramel, soft wood notes, light leathery quality, black licorice, dark berry cola, understated granitic soils with bright, blue, purple and red fresh florals. The body is round, lush and near full. The powder, dry, dusty, meaty, tarry and sticky tannins. Nice structure, tension, length and balance. Easy to drink early but, better in …

Deep red, blueish edge. Nice CF nose w grass, peppers, herby, some smoke. Nice acidity, pleasant tannins, ample red berry fruit. Very nice balance. Long aftertaste. Quite good. Drink within 4-5 yrs.

A bit of a dud for me - was excited to see what the South Africans do with cab franc but it showed an international style that came across as flat. Reminded me of some Cali cab francs which also underperformed in my book.

Not decanted. Initially, jumps out of the glass with sweet and rustic black cherry fruit, dust and coffee. Herbal notes develop with time, and the rusticity softens considerably without becoming elegant. More new world than old but not decidedly either (which is what So Africa is so good at). A fun ride, but I'm glad I only had one bottle. Agree with concensus drink-by date of 2017.

95% Cab franc with 5% malbec The nose is clean, dense red fruit, warm fruit, some clove and cinnamon, green pepper with a bit stalky hints as well, youthful. The wine is dry, med body and intensity, 13.5% alcohol, med acidity, balanced with red fruit, cherries and berries, med finish with a bit of alcohol heat. A nice wine with great finesse Very good quality, drinking now but could hold.