South Africa

WHITE

A.A. Badenhorst
"Secateurs"
Swartland Chenin Blanc 2011 . . . . . 13.79
90/100 - Our score.
Chenin Blanc is most famously grown in places like Vouvray and Savennieres. In South Africa, where Chenin Blanc used to be called Steen, the wines vary in style and when they're good, can remind you of bottlings from the French motherland. This offering from Badenhorst Family Wines in Swartland reminded us of a slightly fruitier and more giving example of Savennieres. It is packed with old-school tasting honeyed fruit flavors along with nuances of lively citrus, bruised orchard fruit and dried apricot. Dry, but generous, dense and rich on the palate - most likely because it was aged on its lees for seven months. It carries its 14% alcohol well, with lift and drinkability. The grapes here were farmed naturally from 40-year old bush vines. An absolutely perfect match for aged goat cheeses.

RED

A.A. Badenhorst
"Secateurs"
Swartland Red Blend 2010 . . . . . 13.79
90/100 - Our score.
From South Africa's coastal region, this is an elegant 14% alcohol blend of 74% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Grenache and small amounts of Carignan and Mourvedre. While you'll note ripe and fresh fruit flavors, the wine also possesses distinctive qualities that will make you think of the old world. With all its peppery fresh and dried red fruits and gritty tannins, it reminds us of some of the great blends of Provence, like Mas de Gourgonnier. What a cool wine!