A. A. Badenhorst
Secateurs Riviera – 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).
Reviews
91 Points
Co-fermented for a week on skins, Riviera is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier that’s as much about style as grape variety and origin. Less earthy and extracted than it has been in the past, this is sappy, savoury and refreshing, with quince, black tea and juniper flavours and a granitic tang. 2025-2028
Tim Atkin MW-timatkin.com, August, 2025
91 Points
This skin-macerated wine is pale, more white-wine in appearance, showing perfumed aromas of pears, cloves, olives and pomelo. Juicy and fresh, with a medium to full body and pithy, savory nuances. 67% chenin blanc, 16% grenache blanc, 10% roussanne and 7% viognier. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, November, 2025