A. A. Badenhorst
Kalmoesfontein Family Red – 2022
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).
Reviews
94 Points
Wonderfully perfumed and tea-like with currants, boysenberries, tobacco and lavender on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and poised, this has present but seamless tannins that are infused into the wine. 33% shiraz, 25% grenache noir, 14% cinsault, 12% tinta barocca, 8% mataro, 5% cabernet sauvignon and 3% touriga nacional. Drink or hold.
jamessuckling.com, October, 2024
93 Points
The 2021 Red Blend Kalmoesfontein is mostly a whole bunch Syrah with Rhône varieties, plus a little Touriga and Tina Barocca and a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon this year, with 3 to 4 months on the skins. It has a lovely, pure, focused bouquet with cranberry and raspberry fruit, with the small amount of barrels lending a little more cohesion. The medium-bodied palate has firm tannins, good grip and more structure than recent vintages but with elegance and focus. White pepper and a touch of garrigues furnish the finish. Lovely. 2025 – 2045
Vinous, August, 2023
94 Points
The A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2022 Swartland Kalmoesfontein Red Blend is composed of 33% Shiraz, 25% Grenache Noir, 14% Cinsault, 12% Tinta Barocca, 8% Mataro, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Touriga Nacional, all harvested from nine vineyards across the estate and picked on the same day. This bold decision reflects a commitment to capturing a single snapshot of the farm rather than assembling components over time. Fermented with a significant portion of whole bunches and matured half in cask and half in concrete, the wine carries 14% alcohol and shows fullness, softness and velvety texture. Rich and broad on the palate, it layers dark fruit with savory undertones, where Syrah and Mourvèdre make their presence felt within the blend’s generous frame. Kalmoesfontein’s dry Swartland climate and decomposed granite soils contribute to the wine’s noteworthy depth and textural richness. 2026 – 2038
© Wine Advocate, February, 2026
94 Points
Seven parcels and six varieties make up this impressive co-fermentation from Adi
Badenhorst’s home base, featuring mostly Syrah, Grenache and Tinta Barocca, with lesser amounts of Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional. Grippy, dense and stony, it has layers of fynbos, tobacco leaf and garrigue, damson, fig and blackberry fruit and the backbone to age. 2026 – 2030
Tim Atkin MW-timatkin.com, November, 2024