2013 Raats Family Mvemve-Raats MR de Compostella

A blend of 41% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 14% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot, the 2013 De Compostella spent 24 months in barrel, 15%-20% new oak in the first year and then transferred into used barrel. It has a voluminous and very pure bouquet, ebullient red cherry and wild strawberry fruit, with just a touch of cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with sensual tannin, as usual, and with perfectly judged acidity; this is a more "sedate" and "relaxed" De Compostella that is not too worried about being "wine of the year." Rather, it is happy and harmonious in its own skin; it is happy to just give pleasure and complexity without excessive effort. It's one of the most elegant releases since their debut in 2004.