A.A. Badenhorst 'The Curator' Red Blend, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa 2024
A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines was founded in 2007 when cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst purchased and restored a neglected 60-hectare farm on the granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountains in the Swartland. Their vision was to return to the roots of winemaking — employing old-school equipment, large concrete tanks, horse-drawn plows, and a philosophy they call 'baie-dynamic' farming: an affectionate local riff on biodynamic principles, emphasizing cover crops, composting, minimal spraying, and harmony with the land's native ecosystem. Today the estate is one of the Swartland's most celebrated producers. 'The Curator' is Adi's annual selection of the best parcels from four growers across the region, a range conceived for honest, immediate pleasure.
- WINEMAKER: Adi Badenhorst
- FARMING: Low-intervention, 'baie-dynamic' farming practices. Unirrigated bush vines, cover crops, composting, minimal spraying.
- VARIETY: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Shiraz, 12% Cinsault, 1% Grenache Noir
- TERROIR: Fruit sourced from four growers across the Swartland, grown primarily on granite and slate soils close to the South African West Coast. The Swartland's hot, dry Mediterranean climate — tempered by Atlantic breezes — produces concentrated, structured fruit from low-yielding, dryland bush vines.
- VINIFICATION: Whole-bunch handling throughout; no crushing or destemming. Reds fermented in concrete tanks and open wooden kuipe. Lengthy post-fermentation maceration.
- AGING: Aged in older oak casks and 4,000L foudres. No additions beyond sulfur.
- TASTING NOTES: Dark berry fruit, cedar, and spice on the nose. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz provide the bold structural backbone, while Cinsault and Grenache soften the tannins for approachability. Full-bodied with a silky, fruit-driven finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, braised beef, charcuterie, hard cheeses, smoked meats.
**bottle shape may vary by vintage and not be as pictured.
A.A. Badenhorst 'The Curator' Red Blend, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa 2024
A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines was founded in 2007 when cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst purchased and restored a neglected 60-hectare farm on the granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountains in the Swartland. Their vision was to return to the roots of winemaking — employing old-school equipment, large concrete tanks, horse-drawn plows, and a philosophy they call 'baie-dynamic' farming: an affectionate local riff on biodynamic principles, emphasizing cover crops, composting, minimal spraying, and harmony with the land's native ecosystem. Today the estate is one of the Swartland's most celebrated producers. 'The Curator' is Adi's annual selection of the best parcels from four growers across the region, a range conceived for honest, immediate pleasure.
- WINEMAKER: Adi Badenhorst
- FARMING: Low-intervention, 'baie-dynamic' farming practices. Unirrigated bush vines, cover crops, composting, minimal spraying.
- VARIETY: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Shiraz, 12% Cinsault, 1% Grenache Noir
- TERROIR: Fruit sourced from four growers across the Swartland, grown primarily on granite and slate soils close to the South African West Coast. The Swartland's hot, dry Mediterranean climate — tempered by Atlantic breezes — produces concentrated, structured fruit from low-yielding, dryland bush vines.
- VINIFICATION: Whole-bunch handling throughout; no crushing or destemming. Reds fermented in concrete tanks and open wooden kuipe. Lengthy post-fermentation maceration.
- AGING: Aged in older oak casks and 4,000L foudres. No additions beyond sulfur.
- TASTING NOTES: Dark berry fruit, cedar, and spice on the nose. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz provide the bold structural backbone, while Cinsault and Grenache soften the tannins for approachability. Full-bodied with a silky, fruit-driven finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, braised beef, charcuterie, hard cheeses, smoked meats.
**bottle shape may vary by vintage and not be as pictured.