A. A. Badenhorst
Kalmoesfontein Family Red – 2021
Region: South Africa - Swartland
A. A. Badenhorst
Adi Badenhorst grew up among the vineyards of Groot Constantia, where his grandfather served as general manager for 46 years. As a child, Adi spent his days picking (and occasionally stealing) grapes and made his first wine at the age of thirteen, with renowned winemaker Jean Daneel. Adi studied at Elsenburg, then went to work harvest at Chateau
Angelus & Alain Graillot in France, Wither Hills in NZ and locally at Simonsig, Steenberg & Groote Post. He spent nine years as winemaker at the esteemed Stellenbosch estate, Rustenberg.
In 2008, Adi and his cousin Hein bought a 148 acre (60 ha) piece of land in the Swartland appellation, and A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines was born. Since its inception, the cousins have remained committed to the tenets of the family estate: to practice biological farming and make natural wines in the traditional manner. Over time they have aquired more vineyards and today farm 395 acres (160 ha).
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Seven small parcels on the Kalmoesfontein farm and surrounding area, Swartland.
- Altitude: 590-1082 feet/180-33 metrs
- Exposure: North, East, South
- Soil: Paadeberg, Lammershoek & Lemoenfontein granite with clay, weathered granite & shale
Harvest Notes
- All varieties hand harvested the same day
- Cooled overnight
- 40% destemmed, fermented in closed concrete and wooden vessels
- Whole bunches foot stomped
- Pigage twice per day
- Grapes in concrete sit on skins 3-6 months before pressing
- Wine pressed into concrete tanks and 8% new 600 liter casks and aged 10 months on lees
Winemaker's Notes
Brooding aromas with complex notes of pepper, liquorice, perfume, and black cherries. The palate entry is quite dense with lavender and dark berry fruit. The finish is dry with well spread tannins ending with savoury and black currant flavours.
Wine Summary
Shiraz 58%, Cinsault 14%, Tinta Barocca 14%, Mourvèdre 9%, Grenache Noir 5%; alcohol: 14%; 7 parcels on Kalmoesfontein farm and surrounding area; planted in mixed granite soils; all varieites hand harvested the same day; 40% destemmed; fermented in closed concrete tanks and wooden vessels; whole grapes foot stomped; pressed into concrete & 600 liter barrel to age 10 months on lees.
Technical Information
- Shiraz 58%, Cinsault 14%, Tinta Barocca 14%, Mourvèdre 9%, Grenache Noir 5%
- Alcohol: 14%
- Total Acidity: 4.7 g/l
- pH: 3.78
- Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/l
Reviews
94 Points
A perfumed nose of red cherries, white pepper, grated nutmeg and crushed rosemary. Full-bodied with velvety tannins. Lovely fresh spice character on the palate with very transparent and pure red fruit. Bright, vibrant and succulent. Just needs some time. Best after 2024.
jamessuckling.com, October, 2024
94 Points
The A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2021 Swartland Kalmoesfontein Red Blend is 58% Shiraz, 14% Cinsault, 14% Tinta Barocca, 9% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache. The wine reveals a unique bouquet with elements of balsam herb, cola, licorice and barbecue spice. There is a dusting of white pepper that adds a lifted or buoyant quality to the aromas. But at the center of it all is a dark core of black and purple fruits. It continues to the palate with medium richness and polished tannins. 2024 – 2035
© Wine Advocate, June, 2025
93 Points
Leading with a lovely overtone of Mediterranean scrub, crushed stone and cracked peppercorn notes, this zesty, tightly meshed red marries fine, sculpted tannins with layers of crushed raspberry, pomegranate puree, herbed black olive, mocha and smoked paprika flavors that echo on the long, chalky finish. Shiraz, Cinsault, Tinta Barocca, Mourvèdre and Grenache Noir. Drink now through 2036.
Wine Spectator, June, 2026
General Info
| COUNTRY | South Africa |
| REGION | Coastal |
| APPELLATION | Swartland |
| PROPRIETORS | Adi & Hein Badenhorst (cousins) |
| FOUNDED | 2008 |
| WINEMAKERS | Adi Badenhorst, Selma Willemse & Jorrie du Plesis |
| ANNUAL PRODUCTION | 30,000 9L cases |