100% Grenache Blanc
Craig Hawkins:
“We brought the property (Bandits Kloof) in 2015. This was a virgin property with no electricity but a fresh supply of water from the mountain on which is sits. We started planting vineyards in 2018, these being Grenache blanc and Grenache noir.
The whole idea behind Bandits Kloof is to make the best wine we can from the property, if this mean that it is a single vineyard wine or a blend of all the grapes then so be it. The same rings true if we feel the vintage is not good enough, we will not bottle it. This is the first vintage and wine off our new property.
Decomposed Sandstone and Koue Bokkeveld Shale, 380m above sea level, East facing.
Organically farmed, head Pruned (high bush vine) vineyards planted 2.5m x 2.5m apart. Being on virgin soils with quite a high soil potential, there was never going to be a problem with vigour. We dropped all bunches except for maybe 3 to 4 bunches per vine to maintain quality and vineyard balance. Hand harvested in the early morning of late January; the bunches went straight into the press.
The grapes were whole bunch pressed directly into 2 x 400L old (10 year) French barrels. The wine took a long time (12 months) to complete full malo lactic fermentation, this we feel added another layer to the wine. the wine was left on its gross lees for 21 months, before being racked for the first time the day before bottling into tank. From there it went directly into bottle. No additives added at any stage to the wine. Unfined, Unfiltered.”Grapes from own vineyards planted in 2018. Long lees ageing and no sulphur added. Hay, citrus, peach, earth and hard-to-describe nutty quality on the nose. Dense fruit, moderate acidity and a savoury finish – full of character. ” 94 Points – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
