“Beautifully textured, it balances broad richness with sharp focus and precision.” - The WIne Advocate, 95+ points

“Real depth, savour and grip. Excellent!” - Jancis Robinson MW, 17 points

Adi Badenhorst falls into the category of the reluctant genius, like Matt Damon’s character in ‘Good Will Hunting’, someone who acts the joker, but can’t hide the talent that lies beneath the surface. If you need convincing, then try this wine. Adi will tell you thaat he doesn’t know what’s in it (he does) or how he made it (he knows), yet it is so beautiful intricate that only someone with the mind of a symphony conductor could harmonise the following ingredients: Chenin Blanc (33%), Grenache Blanc (28%), Verdelho (15%), Viognier (9%), Muscat d’Alexandria (5%), Palomino (5%), Roussanne (2%), Sauvignon Blanc (1%), Marsanne (1%) and Hárslevelű (1%). What is so clever is the way it evokes ‘layers’ instead of tasting like a fruit smoothie. I’m tempted to reach for the old cliché and say it is ‘greater than the sum of its parts’, but it’s not necessarily greater, it’s just that the ‘parts’ are great and he has managed to sum that up that in a single bottle of wine. 14% alc. Drink now-2033.

Press reviews:

The Wine Advocate: “The A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2023 Swartland Kalmoesfontein White Blend is built on a core of Chenin Blanc supported by Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Palomino, Viognier, Roussanne, Muscat d’Alexandrie and Verdelho, with additional small components that are not fully disclosed. Aged one year in old wooden vats, followed by a year in tank and made without sulfur additions, the wine moves in a distinctly savoury direction. Salty on the finish and beautifully textured, it balances broad richness with sharp focus and precision. There is a tactile sappiness and a subtle crunch on the palate, giving the wine energy and tension. This reinforces the sense that this white has the capacity to age gracefully. Drink now-2038.” 95+ points

Tim Atkin MW: “A man who loves to blend grape varieties, Adi Badenhorst makes this Swartland cuvée predominantly with Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc, complemented by smaller amounts of Verdelho, Palomino, Muscat d'Alexandrie, Roussanne, Marsanne and Sauvignon Blanc. Jasmine and wet stone aromas segue into a palate that's savoury, sappy and complex, with subtle oak spices, pear, quince and nutmeg flavours and a salted almond tang. Drink now-2030.” 94 points

Jancis Robinson MW: “Much more serious than the Secateurs Chenin with real depth, savour and grip. Not to mention layers – a real cocktail. Excellent! Drink now-2035.” 17 points