Scott E. Becker

9.0

[Tasted on April 5, 2026 at Home]

Purchased during October 2017 visit to the winery. Pear, green apple, grapefruit and mandarin orange, with notes of celery, chamomile and fennel. Racy acidity. — 8 days ago

Brian Franke

9.0

Perfect in this weather. Skins left on a bit longer and was more red hue. Nice clean finish. — 7 months ago

with Sara

Dave

9.5

For some reason, this smells like peaches 😅 Actually, dark cherry, candied nuts, and cigar box on the nose. Flavors of apricot, honey, cinnamon candies, and pleasant oak. At 90 proof it's an easy summer sipper.
Listening to Chris Isaac (my neighbor is playing her music loud) Not complaining. — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Raats — Original Chenin Blanc 2023
Stellenbosch, South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
An approachable, unoaked Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, delivering expressive aromatics, bright natural acidity, and effortless drinkability. Crafted in a clean, purity-driven style, this wine highlights Chenin’s fruit clarity and freshness rather than oak influence, making it an easygoing yet polished crowd pleaser.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh melon, ripe pear, subtle citrus peel, and gentle tropical notes lead the nose. On the palate, juicy stone fruit and honeydew glide alongside light floral tones, finishing with clean citrus lift and refreshing clarity.

Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium bodied, supple, and silky with crisp acidity keeping everything lively and balanced. Smooth texture without weight or heaviness, making it dangerously easy to enjoy by the glass.

Food Pairings
Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers. Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette. Sushi or ceviche. Soft cheeses and light antipasti. Perfect as an aperitif.

Verdict
A joyful, highly drinkable Chenin Blanc that delivers aromatic charm, freshness, and balance without trying to overcomplicate things. A reliable crowd favorite that showcases why South Africa continues to shine with Chenin.

Did You Know?
South Africa is the world’s largest producer of Chenin Blanc, where the grape is historically known as Steen. It thrives in the Cape’s sunshine and cooling maritime influences, allowing producers like Raats to craft styles ranging from crisp and approachable to world-class age-worthy bottlings.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is pure “easy pleasure” wine, aromatic, refreshing, and endlessly drinkable. Perfect for casual gatherings, warm afternoons, and effortless sipping when you want quality without overthinking the glass. — 3 months ago

Z. R.G.

8.9

Grapefruit - strawberry — a year ago

Jim Wagonfeld

9.1

Drinking a piece of history. Dirt, spice , flowers and red fruit. Still a bit tannic. Needs a couple of years to settle. 2015 — 5 years ago

with Judy

Jake Hajer

9.1

Pear and floral with acacia. A young wine that changes noticeably with air in the glass. Will age well. — 2 months ago

Ryan Scannura

9.5

Smokey earthy smell, reminds me of wet leaves outside. Notes of pomegranate, cranberry. Acidic, good with tuna tartare — 5 months ago

with Julien, Amanda and 1 other

Daniel Diaz

9.0

With Tio Rick in Dorado August 2025 — 8 months ago

Z. R.G.

8.9

Good on its own — 4 years ago