Testalonga, El Bandito 'Skin Contact'

Place: Swartland, South Africa

Grape: Chenin Blanc

Vibe: Advanced

So here we are. Finally. Old vine Chenin, 10 days on skins. We're in real wine territory here, things done for a specific reason to make a good wine rather than for the sake of it. Complexity is no issue here, but enjoyment is right up there too. It's got all that zing you want from Chenin, a core of sumptuous fruit that'll make most happy, but the texture is why we come here. Power of the highest order.

Notes on the older vintages!
2012: Was a crazy vintage, high acid and very low alcohol, the wine took time to integrate its tannins but everything has softened out beautifully.

2014: Floral, almost tropical in this vintage, despite the cool wet year. Evolved beautifully over time!

2015: A perfect vintage balancing ripeness and acidity. Drinking superbly now, but will also age further.

2019: A calm vintage, resulting in a fruit-forward style that after a few years is in a primed spot.