In 2000, Bruwer Raats set out to make world-class Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc from the then relatively unknown, cooler, western part of Stellenbosch known as the Polkadraai Hills. At the time, virtually no one was making single varietal Cabernet Franc. It was relegated to a supporting variety in blends, as is often the case in many regions around the world. Bruwer believed the grape was capable of much more, and that the Polkadraai Hills had the terroir to coax out the elegant, characterful expressions he was after.
Today, Sam Raats, Bruwer’s son, is working alongside his father with the same relentless enthusiasm for Cabernet Franc and a deep desire to make exceptional, terroir-driven wines. During my visit to South Africa in December of last year, Sam and I toured the family’s most important Cabernet Franc parcels and discussed how each vineyard shapes the wine it becomes. Afterwards, I sat down with Sam1 for a brief conversation about his love of the Polkadraai Hills, the Loire V…