Only 66 original vines have been found in Stellenbosch — and in this bottle flows the wine that began with them. The 2025 vintage also includes the second small contribution from the 400 young Bastardo vines we planted in the Porcupine vineyard in Stellenbosch at the end of 2021. Their fruit has already increased the volume of this rare wine, but more importantly, it brings a distinct lift, purity, and brightness to its expression. From the 2026 vintage, their contribution will become considerably greater — an exciting next step in the continuity and evolution of Bastardo at Pilgrim.

A luminous ruby-red hue, light and translucent yet full of vibrancy — an elegant, see-through brilliance that captures the variety’s distinctive charm.

Ripe yet notably pure and lifted, the wine opens with bright red cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate, followed by its hallmark spice and wild-herb character. A distinctive rum-and-raisin edge adds richness and intrigue, while hints of fynbos and crushed rose petals keep the aromatics fresh, vivid, and finely detailed.

Silky, ripe, and intensely expressive, yet brighter and more precise than the previous vintage. Pure red fruit flows through raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate, framed by prominent exotic spice, wild herbs, and a compelling rum-and-raisin note. Fresh, persistent acidity gives the wine energy and lift, while fine-grained tannins and gentle structure provide balance and focus.
The growing contribution from the young Polkadraai vines is already clear in the elevated fruit profile and increased sense of freshness. A complete and immediately harmonious Bastardo — generous in ripeness, vibrant in expression, and an exciting indication of the style to come.

ANALYSIS: ALC 14.% | TA  5.6 g/l | RS 3.0 g/l | pH 3.63