Elgin
Radford Dale
Radford Dale Higher Purpose Cabernet Franc
BlackcurrantHerbal LiftBerry CompoteMasterpiece
Details
Variety
Cabernet Franc
Style
Red
Region
Elgin
Appellation
Elgin
Producer
Radford Dale
Country
South Africa
Trade Materials
The Inspiration
Higher Purpose hails from Radford Dale's Organic Estate in the revered Elgin valley situated between Hermanus and Stellenbosch, a 50 acre prime property situated at 300 - 320 meters above sea level. Elgin has the coolest climate of South Africa's wine regions, with an average annual temperature of around 13°C, moderated further by its altitude and proximity to the ocean. The philosophy and importance of Organic viticulture and winemaking is evident with Radford Dale being a co-founder of Certified Organic Wines of South Africa.
The name reflects both the vineyard's elevated position and Radford Dale's belief that Cabernet Franc has a special calling here. Rather than pursuing a fuller, Bordeaux-inspired style, Higher Purpose takes a more refined, Loire-influenced direction, highlighting the variety's red-fruited, herbal character, fine tannins and natural elegance.
The estate's organic certification, low-intervention philosophy and careful cellar work - including hand sorting, basket pressing, concrete eggs and neutral oak - are all designed to preserve purity and site expression. The result is a wine that speaks clearly of cool-climate Elgin and Radford Dale's broader commitment to organic farming, restraint and individuality.
About Radford Dale
All About Individuality
"All About Individuality" defines Radford Dale. Founder Alex Dale arrived in South Africa from Burgundy in 1994, bringing a deep understanding of French wine tradition, but an equally strong belief in South Africa's ability to forge its own identity in the new South Africa. Since co-founding Radford Dale in 1998, that balance of classical expertise, independent thinking and distinctly South African expression has shaped the wines to become a benchmark of its own.
People are at the core of Radford Dale with a strong female team, international expertise and impactful upliftment in the communities they work in. Winemaker Petroné Thomas leads a talented cellar team, working with a light touch and a holistic philosophy that connects vineyard, cellar, people and place. Organic and regenerative farming, minimal-intervention winemaking and a willingness to challenge convention result in wines defined by freshness, elegance and individuality.
Being a co-founder of the Certified Organic Wines of South Africa, sustainability has an encompassed meaning for them that runs much deeper than just farming. Radford Dale's Sustainability Charter encompasses environmental responsibility, ethical employment and traceable social impact such as the Land of Hope Education Trust which directs 50% of profit from its namesake range towards education for employees and their dependants.
Their wines are proudly site-driven, unmanipulated and balanced - because they believe that South African wines should reflect their natural environment, vintage and distinct terroirs. Made using natural yeast fermentations, low or no adjustments, minimal usage of new oak resulting in restrained alcohols and healthy natural acidities, both hallmarks of elegant and refreshing wines, with balance the ultimate purpose.
From their long-standing focus on Chenin Blanc to exploring Gamay's impressive potential in Stellenbosch and Elgin, Radford Dale continues to push South African wine forward with passion, contagious energy and undeniable South African spirit.
