Description
Mourvèdre isn't usually the grape you'd call light and juicy, but in Craig Hawkins' hands it turns into something closer to a Jura red than a brooding southern Rhône wine. This is the El Bandito label, the top tier Testalonga keeps for the very best vineyards they buy fruit from.
The fruit comes from a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 2001, and the whole lot went in as whole bunches. Hawkins has been one of the Swartland's boldest hands since starting Testalonga in 2008 - early picking, a minimal touch in the cellar, organic farming - and that approach shows here at a light and refreshing 12.5% alcohol.
It's pure and clean, with none of the rustic, gamey edge Mourvèdre can sometimes carry. Ripe mulberry and raspberry up front, then a herbal, garrigue-like streak, a hint of pepper and a silky, flowing feel with very fine tannins. Fresh, lively and seriously drinkable, but there's plenty of detail and length to it too.
A really different take on Mourvèdre: light on its feet, whole-bunch fragrant and full of life, from one of South Africa's most interesting producers.
95 points
"Light-bodied yet detailed and long, offering excellent refreshment without ever tipping into simplicity."
- Christian Eedes (WineMag.co.za)
| Price Bracket | $51 to $100 |
| Type | Red |
| Body | Light Bodied |
| Variety | Mourvèdre |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Paardeberg |
| Feature |
High Score |
| Reviewed By |
WineMag.co.za |
| Critic Score |
95 |
| Alcohol | 12.5% |
| Size | 750ml |
| Vintage | 2025 |
| Closure | Cork |
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