Discover the unusual charm of Testalonga El Bandito Queen Of Spades 2024. This wine is a rare single-varietal Tinta Amarela (Trincadeira). The grapes come from dry-farmed bush vines planted in 1999. This small Abbotsdale parcel sits on decomposed granite soil. Craig Hawkins leaves leaves on the vines for shading, promoting elegance. The 2024 vintage received an extra few days of extraction. This resulted in a wine with increased power and complexity.
Exotic aromatics of red and black berries define the nose. Notes of wilted rose, spice, and earth follow. The palate shows good fruit depth and moderate acidity. The dry finish is neither too luscious nor astringent. It has a lovely lightness of being. Christian Eedes of Winemag.co.za awarded the Testalonga El Bandito Queen Of Spades 2024 92/100 points. Tinta Amarela is traditionally a Port grape, making this still red a bold choice.