‘RAAR' translates as ‘rare' or ‘scarce' and, as such, is regarded by the Riebeek Valley Wine Company as a fitting name for their range of small-volume, hand-crafted reds and whites from the boutique cellar at the winery showcasing the Swartland terroir. The Shiraz originates in a block of vines planted on iron-rich soil of the Knolfontein farm in Riebeek-West, and what the winemakers in Riebeek-Kasteel have come up with is particularly special.
Rated 96 points and judged Best Overall in Winemag's 2024 Shiraz Report, the 2023 vintage is described by panel chair Christian Eedes as follows: “Complex and enticing aromatics of red and black berries, pomegranate, violets, fynbos and pepper on the nose. The palate shows good depth of fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Layers of flavour and a long finish.”
RAAR SHIRAZ CARBONIC MACERATION 2023
WO Swartland: single vineyard planted in 2011. Hand-harvested, whole-bunch clusters of grapes underwent intra-cellular fermentation below a carbon dioxide ‘blanket' for 10 days before a light pressing under foot. This natural fermentation of the juice (using wild yeast) was followed by 10 days of extended contact with the skins before completion of the pressing and then maturation in four 500L French oak barrels, none of them first-fill. Total production: 2320 standard bottles and 52 magnums.
Alc 14 | RS 2.1 | TA 5.0 | pH 3.8
Winemaker's Tasting Notes: Bright red fruit with a hint of warm spice. Firm acidity, balanced with velvety, supple tannin.
Cellaring: Will develop in complexity during two to three years after bottling.
R179pb ex-cellar.