Craig Hawkins is a pioneer in both the cellar and the vineyards. His 2024 El Bandito Cortez is ‘haunting’ (Christian Eedes) and among the very best in South Africa. This 52-year-old site in the Paardeberg consistently produces a pure, visceral expression of Chenin. The vineyard makes the wine.
Craig and Carla have been working this vineyard since Testalonga’s inception in 2008. It always yields great acidity and a low pH – resulting in wines that age beautifully. The Cortez is truly unique and extremely limited. If you appreciate refinement, detail, finesse and energy, this is the one for you.
If there’s ever a winemaker who lets the vineyard shine, it’s Craig. The couple’s love for this site and the Swartland as a whole is expressed in the most authentic way, and they constantly push the boundaries of fine wine. Daring and different, these are SA’s ultimate ‘geek wines’.
For delicious, vibrant wines to drink in their youth, look out for their fun Baby Banditos. We also have small volumes of some of the El Bandito range – fastest fingers first! View the full range here.
Tasting Notes:
Testalonga El Bandito Cortez 2024 ‘Grapes from a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1972. Haunting aromatics of potpourri, herbs, lime and peach. The palate shows great purity and precision – extraordinary fruit concentration matched by a lovely line of acidity, the finish long and savoury. Great definition and shape, this is as distinct and captivating as ever. Alc: 12%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100
