Doug Decants: Three Chenins from Intellego Wines
Jurgen Gouws worked with Eben Sadie for a vintage in Spain (at Terroir Al Limit in Priorat) and also in South Africa. He did further stints in France (at Matassa…
Chenin: the grape we love (Part Two – Out of South Africa)
Read Part One of our Ode to Chenin Blanc here. Craig Hawkins makes wines in Swartland. His project is called Testalonga El Bandito, wherein he makes a pair of Chenins…
Keep on Punching: The Rise of Testalonga Wines
Our first batch of 2017s have arrived and the Testalonga wines have gone to another level. Craig Hawkins is in a good place. He and Carla are now ensconced in…
Doug Decants: New wines from Arbois, South Africa, and Itata!
Recently Arrivals Nom d’Un Nom d’un Nom d’Un Chien! Playful names to play with: 2015 Straight No Chaser, Hughes Beguet Superb value Arbois blend of Chardonnay and Savagnin from Patrice…
Chatting with: Craig Hawkins
Can you give us a brief potted biog? I got into wine as a result of my older brother Neil (who now lives and makes wine in Australia) whilst still…
South African Mini Wine Odyssey – Part Two
Day Two Gentle advice for those who talk about natural wine This much I know: always give a talk whilst suffering from mild jet lag, the equivalent state of gentle…
South African Mini Wine Odyssey – Part One
Craig Hawkins & Testalonga As the aircraft sashays towards Cape Town you get a glimpse of the muscular beauty of this slice of Africa. The city itself is expanding confidently,…
South Africa: Day One
DAY ONE ELGIN & LUDDITE After a night on the plane we had perforce to hit the ground running. Fortunately, after the Virgin shake we landed into the Cape bake…