2023 BANDITO DARK SIDE SYRAH

TRY ME IF YOU LOVE: Northern Rhone Syrah / Cote du Rhone

ABV: 12.5%

GRAPES: 100% Syrah

TASTING NOTES: This Syrah has all the classic spice and dark fruit flavours you would expect, but Craig uses the wild yeasts and lees to add minerality and texture to a wine of poise and freshness. The wine is generally sold young and will take a little time to fully knit together in bottle but it already makes for interesting and easy drinking.

PAIRS WITH: Charcuterie or a BBQ.

SERVE ME: Just below room temperature.

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. 'Baby Bandito' is his easy drinking, entry-level range.

Hand-harvested and naturally fermented, this Syrah once it opens up is complex and elegant, reinforcing Craigs reputation for producing wines that push the boundary of expression.