TESTALONGA El Bandito 2025 Mixed Case

From 1972-planted Chenin Blanc in Joubertskloof on the Paardeberg, this is a wine of depth, tension and remarkable salinity. Matured in 500l French oak barrels and stainless steel for 6 months before blending and further maturation in old oak Foudre for an additional 9 months. Balanced and persistent on the finish.

‘From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1972. Sixty percent matured in old 500-litre barrels, with the remainder in stainless steel before a further nine months in foudre. The nose is strikingly perfumed, with potpourri, dried herbs, pear, peach and green apple. The palate shows excellent fruit concentration, its acidity finely integrated, before a pithy finish. Poised and intensely flavoured, this is a wine of very clean lines that goes on and on. Alc: 12%. CE’s rating: 98 | “Serious” WINEMAG.CO.ZA

The wine that started it all. This vintage is a slightly more restrained interpretation of this wine, using two weeks of gentle maceration rather than intense extraction to create a wine that is energetic, food-friendly and incredibly vibrant.

‘Grapes from a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1972. 14 days of skin maceration. Hugely complex on nose and palate. Aromatics of honeysuckle, fynbos and ginger before peach and apricot and a hint of beeswax. Excellent concentration, layers of flavour, starting creamy and ending dry and savoury. Alc: 11.5%.CE’s rating: 97 | “Serious” WINEMAG.CO.ZA

A richer, more generous expression of Paardeberg Chenin Blanc from sandy soils on Môrelig Farm. More texture, more fruit weight and layers of apricot and stone fruit balanced by the freshness that defines the vintage.

‘From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1981. Peach and apricot plus hints of fynbos, ginger and some leesy character. Dense fruit and ripping acidity before and uncompromisingly dry finish. Still manages to be smooth flowing, well balanced. Alc: 13%.CE’s rating: 94 | “Serious” WINEMAG.CO.ZA

Tinta Amarela from Abbotsdale, showing bright red fruit, floral lift and finely judged structure. 18 months ageing in old French oak has added polish without loosing the variety's freshness and drinkability.

‘Grapes from an Abbotsdale vineyard planted in 1999 on granite. 100% whole-bunch fermented. Extremely fragrant with notes of flowers, fynbos, red berries and subtle spice. Light and fresh with crunchy tannins, the finish dry but not severe. Alc: 12.5%.CE’s rating: 92 | “Delicious” WINEMAG.CO.ZA

The final vintage of this special Mourvèdre bottling. A wine of personality and seriousness, balancing depth with freshness and marking the end of an important chapter in the TESTALONGA story.

‘Grapes from an Abbotsdale vineyard planted in 2001. 100% whole-bunch fermented. Red and black berries, wilted rose, fynbos and a hint of pepper. The palate delivers good fruit expression with snappy acidity and neatly grippy tannins, firm but not coarse, the finish long and dry. Alc: 12.5%. CE’s rating: 93 | “Distinctive” WINEMAG.CO.ZA

Craig's most complete expression of Syrah to date. Inspired by Côte-Rôtie and built around whole-bunch fermentation, it combines perfume, spice and savoury complexity with impressive balance and refinement.

‘From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 2001. 100% whole-bunch fermented. The aromatics are complex and nuanced, showing cured meat, white pepper, violets, red berries and fynbos. The palate delivers pure fruit with fresh acidity and ultra-fine, powdery tannins. Light-bodied yet detailed and long, offering excellent refreshment without ever tipping into simplicity. Alc: 12.5%. CE’s rating: 95 | “Distinctive” WINEMAG.CO.ZA