VINEYARDS
Punching down the Pino
Good wine isn't made in the cellar. It is either confirmed or denied. Vineyards hold the secret to potential and true quality. That is to say a combination of soil, climate and vines. The Winemaker converts or diverts that potential. That is not to underestimate or belittle the role of the Winemaker, as he or she alone can unlock that potential. Ben & Alex over many vintages have built up an intricate knowledge of the vineyards, microclimates and particularities of Stellenbosch. In their view, the two most promising locations are the Helderberg Mountain and Devon Valley. And so they set about identifying the best possible sites and the most diligent grape growers within them. Almost 6 vintages and much viticultural input later, with new canopy, spraying and yield management regimes in place, the quality of their fruit has become a Winemaker's dream. With approximately 4 prime hectares on the Helderberg (Merlot, Shiraz and Chardonnay) and a further 3 in Devon Valley (Shiraz and Merlot) currently dedicated to Radford Dale, incremental additions will gently swell the production in coming vintages. New plantings, particularly with Shiraz, will also contribute to ultimately seeing this micro-managed and highly specialised viticultural mosaic grow to 8 - 10 hectares, within 3 to 5 years.
WINERY
Alex going through the 2008 ferments in tank
Ben and Alex benefited from the committed support of numerous friends' infrastructure in the early years, initially in a brand new cellar overlooking the Ocean. Today, Radford Dale has made its home in a fabulous Winery in the heart of the Helderberg Mountain, at the centre of Stellenbosch's finest vineyards. Cleverly, the hard slog is behind them, and the wines are always in great demand. Each vintage sees quality being progressively raised, while volumes remain a totally secondary consideration.
Their respective trails from the Barossa and Burgundy have led to this uncommonly fulfilling outcome for Ben and Alex. They have successfully forged a unique existence and an ingenuous partnership. Their love of wine and their dedication to it has passed through their genes and into their bottled offspring. With a certain degree of cannibalism therefore, the Radford Dale clan devour their own on a regular basis. Feel free to join in.