Top 100 Wines Of 2025 | 96 Points - Nick Ryan
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.
Always one of our favourite South Australian Shiraz, the 2024 vintage of Bondar's Violet Hour Shiraz is again crafted from hand-picked fruit from 65+ year old fruit planted on the famed Rayner Vineyard in McLaren Vale. Beautifully fragrant on the nose, the palate is silky and soft with intensely flavoured layers of blackberries, plums, redcurrants and a touch of pepper, all underpinned by subtle oak and fine tannins. Another striking rendition of McLaren Vale Shiraz, this is a relative bargain at this price.
"96 Points. Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly approach McLaren Vale shiraz like young renovators who’ve just inherited an old mansion from an eccentric old aunt. What was once dark has had the light let in, abundant artifacts and ornate over-stuffing replaced with cleaner lines and more open space. It’s still the beautiful place it always was, but is now more appealing to a contemporary market. If you’ve always loved McLaren Vale shiraz, you’ll still be happy here, and if you didn’t think it was for you, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you feel at home. 14% alc. $35"- Nick Ryan, Top 100 Wines Of 2025, The Weekend Australian, November 2025.
