96 Points - Marcus Ellis
Based out of the renowned Rayner vineyard in McLaren Vale, Bondar wines has made a big impression on the Australian wine scene. Established by husband and wife duo, Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly in 2012, their commitment to crafting exceptional wines has been widely lauded, including being named James Halliday's 'Best New Winery' back in 2017.
The 2023 Bondar Violet Hour Shiraz is crafted from hand-picked fruit from 65+ year old fruit planted on the Rayner Vineyard in McLaren Vale. Beautifully fragrant on the nose, the palate is silky and soft, while still delivering intensely flavoured dark red fruit flavours. Another beautiful rendition of McLaren Vale Shiraz that is a relative bargain at this price.
"96 Points. Mainly from the sandy patches of the Bondar home Rayner vineyard from the top of the hill, with a small portion from lower down on clay and limestone. The value here has always been super keen. That’s as true as ever with this iteration from a cool year, typically lifted and fragrant but also with some serious import. A tick up from mid-weight, this is spicy and peppered ferruginous minerality, along with blackberry, dark cherries, tapenade, violet, cassia, bay, coffee bean and salted licorice. Red berries swell up on the palate, with a thoughtfully woven skein of tannins underwriting its class. Excellent. Drink: 2024 - 2032. 14% alc. $35."- Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion.
