A blend of 70% Shiraz (not 80% as stated on the label) with 10% Mourvedre 7% Cinsault and 3% Grenache the sublime 2007 Family Red Blend has a very natural beautifully defined bouquet of dark berries a dash of white pepper and garrigue that you would swear comes from some rocky outcrop in the Rhone. The palate has really coalesced since I tasted the 2007 in its youth: very fine tannins wonderful balance and freshness with great tension. There are dark berries tertiary notes white pepper fennel and a slight salty tang on the mid-palate that leads to a very focused finish. It will age over 8-10 years with ease. Drink now-2020. Adi Badenhorst is a name to drop when it comes to the future of South African wine. Along with Eben Sadie he has been at the forefront of putting Swartland on the map. On the surface he has a devil-may-care attitude but underneath is a gifted winemaker who now suffuses his wines with that all-important ingredient. Personality. His winery located in Paardeberg might look a bit cobbled together but the wines that he vinifies from his 28-hectares of bush vine are individual and uncompromising-and delicious. -Neal Martin

A broad mouthfilling style featuring a juicy core of fig blackberry and melted licorice notes backed by fresh acidity and a bright floral hint. White pepper and sanguine notes chime in on the polished lengthy finish. Shows excellent range; should flesh out with cellaring. Shiraz Mourvèdre Cinsault and Grenache. Drink now through 2012. 830 cases made.