A. A. Badenhorst
Kalmoesfontein Family White – 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).
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Estate vineyards on the Kalmoesfontein farm and surrounding Paardeberg, Swartland.
- Altitude: 590-192 feet/180-330 meters
- Exposure: North, East, South
- Soil: Paardeberg, Lammershoek & Lemoenfontein granite with clay, weathered granite & shale
- Vine Age: over 30 years
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested, cooled overnight
- Whole bunch pressing of varieties together, fermented unsing only native yeast
- Juice and lees transfered to old, 1200 & 3000 liter foudres
- Aged 10 months in foudre, then racked to single concrete tank with lees
- Aged 6-8 further months in tank
Winemaker's Notes
Complex aromas of Perfume, spice, tea, stone fruit and citrus blossoms develop fully in the glass. On the palate, the texture, ripeness and gentle tannins result in a wine that has incredible length and a complex flavor profile. The wine also has wonderful fruit volume, characterized by stone fruit and mineral flavors.
Wine Summary
45% Chenin Blanc, 11% Clairette Blanche, 10% Grenache Blanc & other white varieties; alcohol: 13.5%; mountain-slope vineyards in Kalmoesfontein and Paardesberg, Swartland; old, bush-trained vines grown in a mixed granite soils; whole bunch pressed; cofermented in 1200 & 3000 liter used foudres using only native yeast; aged 10 months; racked with lees to single concrete tank; aged further 6-8 months on lees.
Technical Information
- 45% Chenin Blanc, 11% Clairette Blanche, 10% Grenache Blanc, 8% Palomino, 8% Vigonier, 8% Rousanne, 5% Muscat d’Alexandrie, 5% Verdelho
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Total Acidity: 5.9 g/l
- pH: 3.36
- Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/l
Reviews
93 Points
Beautiful nose of white flowers, lime cordial, lychees, white peaches, guavas and fresh green apples. It’s medium- to full-bodied, delightfully fruity and floral, with a silky and supple texture. A field blend of 45% chenin blanc, 11% clairette blanche, 10% grenache blanc, 8% palomino, 8% viognier, 8% roussanne, 5% muscat d’Alexandrie and 5% verdelho, picked and pressed together. Delicious now but can hold for a few years too.
jamessuckling.com, October, 2024
95 Points
The A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2022 Swartland Kalmoesfontein White Blend is 45% Chenin Blanc, 11% Clairette Blanche, 10% Grenache Blanc, 8% Palomino, 8% Viognier, 8% Roussanne, 5% Muscat d’Alexandrie and 5% Verdelho. I love the balance of the medium-plus mouthfeel and that hint of something exotic that picks up intensity with time. The wine starts off on a delicate note with yellow rose, peach, sweet sage and crushed rock salt. Those aromas gain intensity while the wine remains fresh and balanced all the while.
© Wine Advocate, June, 2025
92 Points
The 2022 White Blend Kalmoesfontein, fermented in foudres and aged in concrete for 20 months, has a tightly wound bouquet that demands coaxing: melted candle wax, white flowers and a very slight Muscat note from the 1-2% of that variety in the blend. The palate is well balanced with a crisp line of acidity, palpable energy and poise, closing with a refined, pithy, orange-rind-tinged finish. Excellent. 2025 – 2035
Vinous, August, 2024
94 Points
Adi Badenhorst’s white blend is a jamboree bag of eight white varieties, dominated by 45% Chenin Blanc with smaller contributions from Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Palomino, Viognier, Roussanne, Muscat d’Alexandrie and Verdelho. Lightly wooded in old foudres, it has subtle reduction, fynbos, earth and rose petal aromas and layers of apple, pear and citrus zest. 2025 – 2032
Tim Atkin MW-timatkin.com, December, 2024
92 Points
Apple seed and dried citrus pith aromas are fortified by impressions of geranium, sandalwood and white tea. Aging gracefully, this Chenin remains tightly wound, showing serious power through the energetic, smoky finish. Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Palomino, Muscat d’Alexandria and Verdelho. Best from 2027 through 2032.
Wine Spectator, March, 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 |