Secateurs Cinsault Shiraz Grenache 2021, AA Badenhorst, Swartland

With Shiraz leading the way in the 2021 Secateurs red, we have the most gorgeous blackberry and apple compote scented drop, with a tease of cinnamon and spice and good sprinkling of pepper. The palate is vivacious and sprightly, with a crunch of autumn leaves and hedgerow fruits, bracken and fruit cake too, with more of that lovely peppery character. It’s juicy and nimble, but certainly not short on flavour. Back of the net!

Adi Badenhorst is one of the most exciting winemakers in South Africa. He is also the most frustrating. His laid back, self-deprecating, playful manner keeps you guessing and makes you wonder whether he has any idea what he is actually doing, whether he just chucks some grapes into a vat and hopes for the best, but we know full well that there is a huge amount of expertise that goes on behind closed doors, when no one is around to witness his skill and diligence …and spoil his reputation!

Grapes are hand picked chilled overnight crushed into open concrete tanks for natural primary fermentation (about two weeks). Co-fermented to ensure complete integration. The tanks are foot stomped twice daily during this time. The finished wine is run off into old casks & concrete tanks which have a low impact on the natural wine aromas & structures, ensuring the purity of fruit.
Maturation: Blended wine is left on its gross lees. in casks, foudres & concrete tanks for 7 months
before being lightly filtered & bottled.