El Bandito The Dark Side 2023

ProducerTestalonga (Craig & Carla Hawkins)RegionSwartland, South AfricaGrapeSyrahGeologyGranite and shale across the SwartlandFarmingOrganicVintage2023Certifier—

AbstractViolet, pepper, blackberry
A fragrant Swartland Syrah, with gentle handling keeping its dark fruit supple rather than heavy.

Winemaker
Craig and Carla Hawkins began Testalonga in the Swartland in 2008. They work with organically grown fruit from individual vineyards, keeping the grapes and sites separate through the cellar.

In 2015 they bought Bandits Kloof, their own farm at the northern edge of the Swartland. Their farming sits alongside relationships with other growers. The El Bandito range includes both red and white wines, with native fermentation and restrained handling throughout.

Wine
The Dark Side is Syrah from organically grown Swartland fruit. Gentle handling preserves its fragrance and supple tannins.

Violet and pepper sit above dark berries, with ripe depth and a fresh finish.

Origin
The Swartland lies north of Cape Town, in a dry Mediterranean climate. Its vineyard landscape includes decomposed granite, shale and other old rock formations.