A.A. Badenhorst new releases
By Christian Eedes, 21 September 2017
On a recent visit to the Swartland, some smart new wines from the perennial maverick Adi Badenhorst.
A.A. Badenhorst The Golden Slopes Chenin Blanc 2016
Price: R250
Made instead of Dassiekop Steen from a 1966 vineyard, winemaker Adi Badenhorst says his “focus is not to focus” which means constantly exploring what his Swartland property has to offer. Orange, peach, apricot, pineapple and spice on the nose. Huge fruit concentration matched by tangy acidity, this is a beast of a wine.
Editor’s rating: 94/100.
A.A. Badenhorst Raaigras Grenache 2016
Price: R350
From a 1950 vineyard. Cranberry, wild strawberry, fresh herbs and a hint of reduction on the nose. Relatively light with fresh acidity and powdery tannins – a lovely vinosity about it.
Editor’s rating: 94/100.
A.A. Badenhorst Ramnasgras Cinsault 2016
Price: R250
From a 1963 vineyard. Red and black cherries plus some olive. The palate is again light bodied with fine tannins yet still possessing good intensity of flavour. Dead sexy.
Editor’s rating: 92/100.
A.A. Badenhorst Red Blend 2015
Wine Cellar price: R305
52% Shiraz, 21% Grenache, 18% Cinsault, 9% Tinta Barocca. Red and black berries, spice plus a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate shows pure fruit, fresh acidity and densely packed, mouth-coating tannins – plenty of grunt despite a modest alcohol of 13% and seemingly in need of a year or three to settle down. Wine Cellar price: R305
Editor’s rating: 92/100.
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