Raka Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Double Gold Michelangelo International Wine Awards
Tasting
Notes
A small producer based out of the Klein River Ward, Raka produces around 15,000 cases of wine, of which close to 80% being red. The close proximity to the ocean gives the wines freshness with vibrant fruit and supporting acidity. Named after one of owner Piet Dreyer’s fishing vessels, Raka in a few short years of its first bottling was in 2002, has proven that this small family run operation can make wine that competes with some of the more well known establishments coming from South Africa.
Although quite young, the 2008 Raka Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine with some pedigree behind it, having won a Double Gold Medal at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards in 2009. A very dark purple color gives way to a nose that is classically Cabernet Sauvignon in its most positive aspects. A leafy component gives lift with a slight inflection of mint, but not in any sense showing greenness or overt aggressive herbal tones. Behind this are a soft toast element and a big whiff of dark currant, black berry fruit aromatically. The palate is medium to fuller bodied, offering a round supple textural feel, with finer grained, powdery tannins supporting the dark plum and cassis fruit flavors. A nuanced savory note meshes nicely with the restrained sweetness of the dark fruit flavors on the nicely detailed dryer finish. Just now starting to open up this is something that should evolve beautifully over the next 5 years. Enjoy!
