One sunny day, while enjoying a few beerzies, three Marlborough-based winemakers came together to embark on a unique venture—creating wines under the singular brand, Vandal. This “side project” grants each member the freedom to craft wines that may veer into unconventional territory, but rest assured, at the core of the Vandal ethos is the commitment to making wines that are incredibly enjoyable and easy to appreciate.
The Vandal Gonzo Combat Rouge 2022 from Marlborough. Vandal’s approach is undeniably distinctive. In a region usually associated with single-varietal wines, they’ve created something out of the ordinary – a blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier, co-fermented with whole bunch fermentation. It may strike as unconventional, but it’s wonderfully aromatic and delightfully unique. It’s a tad eccentric, yet absolutely outstanding.