Stunningly expressive New World orange wine; this is Chenin Blanc from 50 year-old vines planted over decomposing granite, given just over a week on the skins before being raised in tank to preserve the distinctly vinous fruit character. Like all great orange wines we love its heady floral aromas, fleshy stone fruit qualities and tannic grip on the palate. El Bandito shows impressive concentration and has a long zing of bitter citrus peel in the finish. We don't list a ton of South African wine, but we've always been big fans of Testalonga and their bold, distinctive character and immediacy.
After travelling extensively in Portugal and Austria learning his craft, Craig Hawkins returned to South Africa and became the winemaker at top Swartland estate Lammershoek. Craig now makes his own Testalonga wines from various small, organic vineyard sites in Swartland and makes everything naturally, with as little intervention as possible.
