Secateurs Chenin Blanc

The Badenhorst “Secateurs” Chenin Blanc is always a great bargain but even more so with this 2025 vintage bottling. The grapes are grown in the dry climate and difficult growing conditions in the Swartland region, and yield wines with surprising concentration and depth. The 2025 Badenhorst Chenin has an exotic, floral and appealing bouquet with pineapple, pear, apple fruits enhanced by hints of honey and citrus. These enticing aromas are followed by an equally appealing palate. The purity of the pear, apple, citrus and tropical fruit flavors is enchanting and underlain by elements of citrus peel and subtle herbs. All this complexity is enhanced by a rich texture and the subtle herb and spice tones that linger at the finish. This is a delicious South African Chenin that is well worth your interest. 93 Wayne Belding

Adi Badenhorst is a champion of the Swartland, the region his family has family has been rooted in and growing in for generations. This wine is mostly from the family farm, Kalmoesfontein, on the granite soiled northern side of the Paaardeberg Mountain. Old unirrigated bushvines planted in the 60s-70s is picked over nearly two weeks, with fresh juice added to the already native ferment. After whole bunch pressing (15% skin contact) this was fermented in older large foudre and concrete where it remained on full lees for seven months, with occasional stirring. Chenin's waxiness is on full display here, woven through wild meadow grasses, herbal citrus, wild orange, fennel, marcona almonds, on a plump, savoury bed of lees. Easy to understand and enjoy without being dumbed down at all, this youthful wine is all about representing Swartland chenin, and it does so expertly.