A.A. Badenhorst “Secateurs” Chenin Blanc · Swartland, South Africa · 2023

The Moment

This is the bottle that opens when the table fills up and conversation slows into something meaningful. Bread is being torn by hand, food is shared without plates matching, and no one’s checking the time anymore.

What It Feels Like

Lifted aromatics of orange blossom, wildflowers, and honey rise first, followed by white peach, pear slices, and citrus pith. On the palate, the wine is silky and textural, showing layers of baked peach, waxy melon, mandarin peel, and pineapple husk. Lees aging gives it a soft, almost creamy feel, while bright apple-skin acidity and flinty minerality keep everything precise and dry. The finish lingers with lemon drizzle, white pepper, and quiet salinity.

Perfect For

• Long lunches that turn into early evenings

• Roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or lightly spiced dishes

• When you want depth without heaviness

The Vibe Pairing

• Playlist energy: Warm folk, modern jazz, slow-build indie

• Aura color: Sun-warmed stone, soft gold, dried citrus

• Time of day: Mid-afternoon → candlelight

Why We Love It

Secateurs is one of those wines that sneaks up on you. It’s generous without being loud, textured without being heavy — a Swartland Chenin that shows just how soulful and complete this grape can be when grown and handled with care.

Floral & Expressive · Still White