AA Badenhorst Family Wines are grown, made and matured on Kalmoesfontein farm in the Swartland appellation of South Africa. The 28 hectares of old bush vines grow in the Siebritskloof part of the Paardeberg mountain.

The Ramnasgras Cinsault comes from a vineyard planted in 1956 and it's a superb take on the variety by winemaker Adi Badenhorst. It has an almost Pinot Noir-like purity on the nose with wonderful definition and lift - Morello cherry, shortcake, a touch of orange zest and cola.

Hermitake or Cinsault has been the work horse of the South African industry but over the last couple of decades its star has waned, in favour of the fancy Shiraz and its likes. This vineyard is occasionally bottled on its own and 2022 was the first of these years. It possesses great fruit of the red spectrum, earthiness and some lovely spice. The palate is delicious in its transparency of fruit flavours, fair acid grip and gentle tannins.

"100% Cinsault. 1,200-litre foudre.
Served cool. Pale crimson. Perfumed nose and a tad reduced. But lovely and smooth and sweet on the nose. A juicy Cinsault that is just slightly tough and sudden on the finish. Drink to 2028."
16.5 points. Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com (September 2023)

"Vibrant red berry fruit here, from red currants to tiny wild strawberries. There's lavender and rosemary, too, and just a touch of white pepper and chocolate orange. Very fine, creamy tannins envelop the fruit. Medium-bodied, seamless, and delicious. Single vineyard planted in 1964. Drink or hold."
93 points. James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (November 2023)