Description
Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly, Bondar is their inspired take on cool climate expressions of classic Rhône varietals through the lens of McClaren Vale. Their estate property, the Rayner Vineyard, is comprised of dry-farmed plantings of 50-year-old Grenache vines, 30-70-year-old Shiraz vines, bush vine Grenache and Mourvèdre plantings, and more recent additions of Carignan, Touriga, Counoise, Cinsault, and Sagrantino. This highly regarded property spans around 20 hectares and is situated on the border of the Blewitt Springs and Beautiful View (Seaview) sub-regions. This setting provides valuable blending options, as each sub-region performs differently depending on vintage conditions.
100% Shiraz. All estate fruit from the Rayner Vineyard. The grapes were handpicked and wild yeast fermented using a combination of whole bunch and destemmed fruit, as well as varying time on skins depending on the block (each vinified separately). 10 months aging in older oak. The final blend was put together in May, and bottled without fining or filtering in July.
Deep purple. Heady aromas of dark cherry and plum, with lovely, floral notes of violets intertwined. The palate is rich and silky, with classic flavors of plum, brambly blackberry, cracked black pepper and a touch of forest floor. Delicious, with structure and a vibrant, juicy acid backbone; the finish is long and closes with a touch of spice.
