A.A. Badenhorst new releases

By , 14 April 2022

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“The farm was closed off for most of 2020 and 2021 due to Covid. Only essential staff were allowed and we put in a lot of focused energy and hard work which has made a big difference in the vineyards,” says Adi Badenhorst of Kalmoesfontein in the Swartland, the wines appearing under the A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines label. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines The Golden Slopes 2021
Named after the yellow-coloured granite rocks found in this Chenin Blanc vineyard planted in 1966 at 300m above sea level. Subtle aromatics of pear, peach, citrus, hay and talcum powder on the nose while the palate has good depth and texture, driving acidity and a pithy finish. Somewhat undemonstrative at this stage but promises much.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Klip Kop Steen 2021
Grapes from a particularly rocky site and hence the name. Yellow peach, apple, some leesy complexity. Relatively rich and round given an alcohol of just 12.5% – a core of ripe fruit offset by tangy acidity, the finish gently savoury. Nicely balanced.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Kelder Steen 2021
Yellow peach, earth and spice plus some reduction. The palate has good fruit density and bright acidity. With layers of flavour, this is the most generous of the three examples of Chenin from this vintage.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Sout van die Aarde Palomino 2021
From a coastal vineyard that also supplies Sadie’s Skerpioen. The nose is shy with fine-drawn notes of pear, white peach and herbs. The palate is arresting being lean and very fresh, the finish long and saline. Striking purity and drive.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Kalmoesfontein White 2020
Predominantly from Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc but typically includes many other varieties picked, pressed and fermented together. Captivating aromatics of white and yellow fruit, potpourri, herbs, earth and spice while the palate has great fruit definition, punchy acidity. Not without power, this is a wine of breadth, depth and length. Plenty of detail.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Ramnasgras Cinsault 2021
From a 1954 vineyard on granite. Pronounced notes of fresh herbs and fynbos to go with wild strawberry and white pepper on the nose while the palate is light and juicy with fine tannins. Lots going and great energy.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Ringmuur Cinsault 2021
From a 1963 vineyard on granite surrounded on two sides by an old farm wall. Charming aromatics of cranberry, raspberry, rose and spice while the palate shows good fruit definition, slightly sour acidity and powdery tannins.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Raaigras Grenache 2021
From a 1952 vineyard consisting of a mere 1 200 vines. The nose is complex with notes of red cherry, raspberry, rooibos tea, flowers, earth and spice while the palate shows dense fruit, bright acidity and firm tannins, the finish very dry. A little angular and implacable at this stage but should mature with benefit.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Sk’windjiesvlei Tinta Barocca 2021
From a 1962 vineyard. A hint of reduction before red and black berries, lavender, earth and spice. The palate has lovely fruit expression to go with impressive structure – compact, fresh and grippy in the best sense. Wonderfully well realised.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines Kalmoesfontein Red 2020
Consisting primarily of Syrah, Cinsault and Grenache but also multiple other varieties, these co-fermented. The nose is quite heady with notes of red and black berries, lavender, fennel and fynbos while has plenty of ripe fruit and fine tannins – full of flavour with an nicely savoury finish.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

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    Gareth | 3 February 2023

    Some very high scores here. Given that they are made from old vineyards in a non-interventionist style that reflects the terroir (and seem to be getting great reviews), I wonder if time Adi’s single-vineyard wines might one day become as sought after as those of the Sadie Ouwingerdreeks wines?

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