A.A. Badenhorst Secateurs Red Blend 2025

A.A. Badenhorst Secateurs Red Blend

Region: Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa

Vintage: 2025

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault

ABV: 13.5%

The Syrah delivers a perfumed, peppery, and spicy aromatic profile, with notes of ripe red fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon adds mid-palate grip and aromatic lift, enhancing the wine’s overall balance. The palate is supple and smooth on entry, with enough grip and freshness to finish dry and refreshing.

The grapes for Secateurs Red Blend are sourced from Jakkalsfontein and Kalmoesfontein, located in the Paardeberg area of Swartland (W.O. Swartland). The vineyards are planted on a mix of granite soils and koffieklip (ferricrete), contributing to the wine’s mineral depth and structure. All vines are dryland bush vines, grown without irrigation, which enhances concentration and sense of place.

The Syrah component is drawn from seven distinct vineyard parcels, each vinified using varied techniques including whole bunch fermentation, submerged cap, and extended maceration. After fermentation, all components are blended and aged for seven months in a combination of large foudres, 500-litre French oak barriques, concrete tanks, and stainless steel vessels. This multi-vessel approach adds layers of texture and complexity before bottling.

Neal Martin describes Adi Badenhorst as someone who “epitomises the carefree spirit that pervades the [Swartland] region”, a phrase that still doesn’t do justice to a man whose personality is as characterful as the wines he makes. Adi founded A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines in the Paardeberg with his cousin Hein in 2008. He is a champion of attentive farming and minimal intervention winemaking to convey an authentic expression of the Swartland in his wines.