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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
A. A. Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanctext
91POINTS
16¾/20

A. A. Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2015

Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom the man credited with spearheading the Swartland Revolution, this chenin blanc is always a joy to have on this market. One of Adi's "entry-level" Secateurs line, this is sourced mostly from his family farm, Kalmoesfontein, on the northern side of the Paardeberg Mountain and on low-yielding granite. Old dry farmed bush vines (and a splash of palomino) were picked over a period of 12 days, with each added to the fermenting wine as they came in. The result is a very extended ferment, adding layers of complexity and interest. Approximately one quarter of the wine was fermented in older casks and large foudres, and spent seven months on lees in wood and concrete. From the stellar 2015 vintage, cream, wild herbs, meadow flowers are drawn across a very waxy palate, where spiced pear and earthy fennel notes join. Savoury, with precise lemon zest vibrancy, broken stones, roasted nut, medicinal lemon balm and gentle honeycomb, this vintage lingers with some gentle waxy warmth on the weighted palate. Drinking now well, but will hold with short term aging.Tasted: 05 June 2017Tasted by: Prices:
BC$26.00750mlprivate wine shops
AB$24.00750ml 
MB$23.00750ml 
Producer: A. A. BadenhorstDistributors: The Living Vine
Grape: Chenin BlancCSPC: 793729UPC: 899109002028