Testalonga El Bandito Monkey Gone to Heaven 2025 750ml

Testalonga El Bandito ‘Monkey Gone to Heaven’ Mourvèdre 2025

Secure your bottle of Testalonga El Bandito ‘Monkey Gone to Heaven’ Mourvèdre 2025. This iconic bottling marks a historic and emotional milestone for collectors. It stands as the final vintage of this legendary Mourvèdre from winemaker Craig Hawkins, concluding an important chapter in the Testalonga story.

The standout 2025 Swartland growing season provided exceptional conditions for this final run. Abundant winter rains deeply revitalized the bush vines, producing fruit with striking natural acidity and beautiful structural concentration. Hawkins utilized 100% whole-bunch fermentation to maximize freshness and savory complexity. This light, avant-garde style of red wine defies convention entirely. It benefits immensely from a slight chill before serving.

Tasting Notes & Profile

This final vintage opens with a beautifully detailed, highly nuanced bouquet. Expect bright red and black berries mixed with wilted rose petals, fresh fynbos herbs, and a savory hint of white pepper. On the palate, the wine delivers pure fruit expression balanced by snappy acidity and ultra-fine, powdery tannins. The structure feels light-bodied yet remarkably complex, leading into an uncompromisingly long, bone-dry finish.