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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Testalonga Keep on Punchingtext
90POINTS
16½/20

Testalonga Keep on Punching 2019

Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaOne of the stars of South Africa's New Wave wine renaissance, Testalonga is Craig and Carla Hawkins' personal project, dedicated to experimental wines and rescued grapes, often from old vineyards. They were the first of the Swartland Revolution collective to start their own vineyard project, back in 2015, when they moved to a farm in the northern reaches of the Swartland, nestled into the Olifantsberg mountain, called Banditskloof. This organic Chenin Blanc is from Pieketberg sandstone, planted 1961. After a whole bunch press, 2/3 fermented in foudre, with the rest in stainless. After blending, this moves to wood and stainless to rest. Pouring a hazy yellow hue, this streams with tight lime pith, underripe melon, fine earthy lees, a saline wash, and light lemon peel friskiness. The photo is one Craig’s brother took in Cambodia. This is their largest production line, and fantastic value for a natural chenin (even way over here in Western Canada).Tasted: 16 October 2020Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:
BC$40.00750mlprivate wine stores
Producer: TestalongaDistributors: Sur Lie
Juice Imports
The Living Vine
Grape: Chenin BlancCSPC: 56859