A. A. Badenhorst
Ramnasgras Cinsault – 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
Single estate vineyard in Paardeberg, Swartland.
- Exposure: Southeast
- Vineyard Area: 4 acres/1.6 ha
- Soil: Decomposed granite
- Vines Planted: 1954
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested with strict berry selection
- Cooled overnight
- Whole bunch fermented in old, seasoned wooden vats using only native yeast
- Daily pumpovers
- Pressing when fermentation almost complete
- Wine aged in large foudre for 12 months on gross lees
Winemaker's Notes
Concentrated aromas of red cherry and raspberry fruit, earthiness and some spice. The palate is delicious with distinct fruit flavors, bright acidity and gentle tannins.
Wine Summary
100% Cinsault; alcohol: 12%; estate vineyard in Paardesberg, Swartland; vines planted in decomposed granite in 1954; hand harvested with careful selection; grapes cooled overnight; whole bunch fermented using only native yeast in seasoned wooden vats with daily pumpover; pressing at end of fermentation; wine aged 12 months on gross lees in large foudre.
Technical Information
- 100% Cinsault
- Alcohol: 12%
- Total Acidity: 4.4 g/l
- pH: 3.96
- Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/l
Reviews
94 Points
Thyme, rosemary, tea leaves, lavender, olives and brambleberries on the nose of this fragrant and supple red. It’s medium-bodied, and while not high in acidity, has a very fresh, silky feel. Long and charming. From vines planted in 1964. Drink or hold.
jamessuckling.com, October, 2024
91 Points
The 2023 Cinsault Ramnasgras comes from a single vineyard parcel planted in the 1960s, raised in concrete vat. This is more vigorous on the nose than the Ringmuur, displaying raspberry, wild strawberry and a touch of vanilla. The palate is ripe and juicy (apparently this was the ripest fruit Adi Badenhorst picked in 2023, coming in at around 13.5% alcohol), with the small amount of Grenache lending flesh on the finish. 2025 – 2034
Vinous, August, 2024
96 Points
This superb Cinsault showcases the quality of a 1.6-hectare parcel planted on decomposed granite in 1954. Remarkably elegant and graceful for a Swartland red, it beguiles your palate with layers of rose petal, goji berry and redcurrant, complemented by detailed tannins and plenty of stony minerality. 2025 – 2035
Tim Atkin MW-timatkin.com, December, 2024
From Swartland revolutionary Adi Badenhorst, the Ramnasgras Cinsault is a bold yet nuanced expression of the region’s old vines and wild spirit. Sourced from a single vineyard planted in the 1950s, this soulful and serious pour leads with aromas of crushed red berries, dried herbs, and a whisper of toasty, earthy spice. The palate is juicy and energetic, yet with supple tannins and a savory edge that’s followed by accents of tobacco and sous bois on the back of the close.
Fermented whole-bunch and aged in old oak foudres, it’s a perfect match for flame-grilled meats, earthy vegetable dishes, or anything kissed by fire.
Food and Wine Magazine, August, 2025
95 Points
This is just my vibe. The A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2023 Swartland Ramnasgras Cinsault comes from old bush vines planted in 1964. Exceptionally expressive and lifted, it shows delicate red fruit, floral notes and an effortless grace that belies its depth. Adi Badenhorst believes Cinsault has remarkable aging potential, and recent releases of earlier vintages such as 2018 and 2019 demonstrate just how beautifully it evolves over time. “The Burgundy of the Swartland” is his refrain. The tannins are fine and integrated, giving the wine quiet structure beneath its perfume and purity. On the back label, the phrase “irrigated with tears” appears in Afrikaans, a poetic nod to the care and devotion required to farm these precious vines. 2026 – 2036
© Wine Advocate, February, 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 |