I have been following the wines of Radford Dale with interest over the last three years. Their Vinum series consistently offers high quality for the price, alongside an estate range that continues to evolve and excel. The Radford Dale Elgin Estate, originally developed by Brian and Marion Smith and managed organically, has also gained a strong reputation since Radford Dale took over.
With the 2025 wines, there is a noticeable step up in quality, attributed to both evolving practices and an excellent vintage. A pivotal change was the arrival of Petroné Thomas as the new winemaker, who joined in 2021 and was promoted to head winemaker in 2024 after the departure of Jacques de Klerk. Petroné’s experience in Burgundy and Beaujolais is expected to influence Radford Dale’s approach to Gamay.
Elgin Estate Updates
Tom Prior from Radford Dale shared insights about their Elgin vineyards, highlighting recent developments:
- First crop from young vines: 2026 marks the debut harvest of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from vines planted in 2022, along with a small amount of Gamay.
- Cabernet Franc: This varietal has shown great promise in just 0.4 ha. Plans are underway to convert some Semillon vineyards to Cabernet Franc.
- Pinot Noir focus: The estate is prioritizing clone 115 for its preferred planting, moving away from the previously inherited clone 777.
- Investment in equipment: A new oak fermenter from Klaus Pauscha is set to enhance the refinement of Pinot Noir at Elgin.
Radford Dale is also expanding its varietal offerings with the addition of Chenin Blanc and more innovative vineyard techniques, such as bush vine training.
Radford Dale Terroir Adjustments
In 2024, significant changes were made, leading to the decision to redirect some fruit from the usual bottlings into the Vinum line instead. The focus has shifted to ensure alignment with desired stylistic goals.
Upcoming Vinum Releases
Looking ahead to the 2025 releases:
- Grenache: 2025 will be the last bottling featuring older vines mixed with younger ones.
- Gamay: Vines are maturing nicely, with future production prospects looking bright.
- Pinot Noir: This and the Gamay varietals remain limited in production, reflecting a balance of quality and price.
Recent Notable Releases
Here are a few standout wines from Radford Dale:
- Radford Dale Estate Freedom Pinot Noir 2025 – Rated 94/100, this wine offers a blend of sweet strawberry and cherry flavors, showcasing finesse and elegance.
- Radford Dale Higher Purpose Cabernet Franc 2025 – Scoring 95/100, it presents vibrant floral aromas and a fresh, supple palate.
- Radford Dale Touchstone Chardonnay 2025 – A harmonious blend of toast, spice, and refined fruit characteristics, rated 94/100.
- Radford Dale Renaissance Chenin Blanc 2025 – This wine combines intense citrus fruit with a fresh finish and is celebrated for its aromatic complexity, earning 95/100.
For those interested in tasting the quality of Radford Dale wines, the 2025 releases exemplify a commitment to excellence and innovation in the South African wine landscape.
Visit Radford Dale’s Website for more details on their offerings and updates.