A. A. Badenhorst
Secateurs Red Blend – 2025
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 mountain-slope vineyards in Paardeberg, Swartland.
- Altitude: 590-1082 feet/180-330 meters
- Exposure: North, East, South
- Soil: Paadebert, Lammershoek & Lemoenfontein granite with clay, weathered granite & shale, naturally low yielding
- Vine Age: average 32 years
- Vine Training System: Bush
- Dry farmed
Harvest Notes
- Each variety hand harvested and chilled overnight
- Crushed into open concrete tanks and varieties cofermented using only native yeast
- Tanks foot-stomped twice daily
- Blended wine transferred to casks, foudres and & concrete tanks
- Aged 7 months on gross lees
- Bottled unfined and lightly filtered
Winemaker's Notes
Secateurs shape our bushvines during the winter pruning and are used to pick the ripe grapes in summer. Our family has, for the last three generations, nurtured our vines so that they can produce fruit of integrity.
Spicy, perfumed, peppery notes from the Shiraz, suppleness and aging potential from the Cinsault, and Cabernet Sauvignon provides mid palate grip and aromas. Ripe red fruits and a dry, refreshing finish.
Wine Summary
80% Shiraz, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault; alcohol: 13.5% ; mountain-slope vineyards in Paardeberg, Swartland; bush trained vines grown in a variety of granite soils average 31 years old; each variety hand harvested and chilled overnight; crushed into open-top concrete tanks and cofermented for about 2 weeks using only native yeast; foot-stomped twice daily; blended wine aged in casks, foudres and concrete tanks for 7 months on gross lees; bottled unfined and lightly filtered.
Technical Information
- 80% Shiraz, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Total Acidity: 4.9 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 3.1 g/l
- pH: 3.7
Reviews
90 Points
This juicy red features açai, cassis and cherry flavors that coil within a cloud of violet and licorice root. Assertive yet finely textured tannins lend a structured coat to the spiced finish, giving this excellent grip. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsaut. Drink now through 2030.
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 |