A. A. Badenhorst
Kalmoesfontein Family White – 2023
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
Mountain slope estate vineyards on the Kalmoesfontein farm and surrounding Paardeberg, Swartland.
- Altitude: above 200 feet
- Exposure: North, East, South
- Soil: Paardeberg, Lammershoek & Lemoenfontein granite with clay, weathered granite & shale
- Vine Age: over 30 years
- Vine Training System: Bush/head trained
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested, cooled overnight
- Whole bunch pressing of varieties together, fermented using only native yeast
- Juice and lees transferred to old, 1200 & 3000 liter foudres
- Aged about 12 months in foudre, then racked to single concrete tank with lees
- Aged 6-8 further months in tank
Winemaker's Notes
Aromatic layers of citrus flowers, stone fruit, tea, spice and a delicate perfume. Mineral and stone fruit flavors form complex flavors and texture, complemented by gentle tannins and a very lengthy finish.
Wine Summary
Chenin Blanc 33%, Grenache Blanc 28%, Viognier 9%, Palomino 5%, Roussanne 2%, Muscat D’ Alexandrie 5%, Verdelho 15%, Sauv. Blanc 1%, Harslevelu 1%, Marsanne 1%; alcohol: 14%; 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 12 months; racked with lees to single concrete tank; aged further 6-8 months on lees.
Technical Information
- 33% Chenin Blanc, 28% Grenache Blanc, 9% Viognier, 5% Palomino, 2% Roussanne, 5% Muscat D’Alexandrie, 15% Verdeho, 1% Sauvignon Blanc; 1% Harslevelu, 1% Marsanne
- Alcohol: 14%
- Total Acidity: 5.3 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 3.4 g/l
- pH: 3.31
- Total Sulfur: 96 ppm
Reviews
93 Points
The 2023 White Blend Kalmoesfontein is a field blend that spends one year in very old foudres plus ten months in concrete. There is a touch of reduction on the nose, with honeysuckle and jasmine scents and ample white fruit. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, waxy in texture, with a bright and edgy, saline finish that urges you back for more. One of the best whites that Adi Badenhorst has made. 2026 – 2040
Vinous, August, 2025
93 Points
#60 of Top 100 Wines of South Africa 2025 (11/12/25)
Lemon rind, beeswax, chamomile, pomelo and sliced melon on the nose of this creamy but bright white. It’s textured and waxy with a medium to full body and excellent freshness. Salty at the end. 33% chenin blanc and 28% grenache blanc, with smaller amounts of eight other white varieties. Drink now or hold.
jamessuckling.com, October, 2025
95+ Points
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 savory 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. 2026 – 2038
© Wine Advocate, February, 2026
94 Points
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. 2025 – 2030
Tim Atkin MW-timatkin.com, November, 2025
17 Points
53% Chenin Blanc, 24% Chardonnay, 19% Sémillon, 4% Viognier. New wine. Mainly old-vine Swartland Chenin but the Chardonnay is from Hemel, hence WO Western Cape.
Lots of texture and a bit more complexity than some 100% Chenins. Lots to chew on on the end. Notably long.
JancisRobinson.com, 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 |