2017 Testalonga El Bandito Monkey gone to heaven

Community Tasting Notes (3)

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  3/17/2024 - PT insurgent wrote:

  Apparently this is mourvedre. Label says 100% stems, given the color and lack of tannins I'd say it was a very short maceration. Enjoyable, best served chilled.

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  11/19/2018 - Wine Ratings Likes this wine:

  Fresh and juicy, with plenty of red fruit and a serious savoury kick! Testalonga’s Mourvedre and that of the Dirty & Rowdy Familiar are cut from somewhat the same cloth, making use of whole-cluster fermentation to drive exceptionable drinkability at reasonable alcohol levels (without sacrificing complexity). But where the Familiar showcases bright fruit and sweet spice, Craig’s take on the variety leans more to fuller fruit and pleasantly pungent spices - so much so that at just 12.5% it was still the perfect foil for steak. Who needs a big bruiser when you have that?? One could argue that a few years in the cellar to develop wouldn’t hurt, but there’s certainly no lack of enjoyment in sipping right away!

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  11/19/2018 - Wine Ratings Likes this wine:

  Juicy, yet serious? Winemaker Craig Hawkins has struck that perfect balance here with a wine both pleasantly compelling yet exceptionally crushable. It comes across similar in style to Dirty & Rowdy - bright and refreshing, certainly, but still spicy, full-flavoured Mourvedre. I’d argue that this Testalonga offering leans a bit more towards that savoury and serious side - it carries that South African feel for sure. Red fruit gushes out of the bottle - complimented by touches of blackberry and tangy plum - before that streak of pepper, allspice, and herbaciousness kicks in. Background notes of rose petal, blueberry, and cinnamon join with time; candied red fruit and anise combine on the finish. Lively acidity and easy-going tannins add to the overal enjoyability. It’s nothing short of a thrill ride for the senses, this wine!

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