Bondar Rayner Vineyard Grenache 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Rayner Vineyard is a highly regarded property in McLaren Vale, spanning around 20 hectares with about three-quarters planted to vine. Situated on the border of the Blewitt Springs and Seaview sub-regions, this vineyard benefits from the unique characteristics of each area. Blewitt Springs is known for its deep sand soils that help retain moisture, while Seaview offers elevation and cooler temperatures, which contribute to the balance and complexity of the wines.

McLaren Vale itself is one of Australia's oldest and most diverse wine regions. Located around 30 kilometers south of Adelaide, it enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot summers moderated by breezes from the Gulf St. Vincent and the Adelaide Hills. This climate, coupled with varied soil types ranging from sand to clay, creates an ideal environment for growing high-quality Grenache. The Rayner Vineyard's particular plot for the Grenache was planted in 1970 on dry-farmed land with deep sandy soils, facing gently east to avoid the harsh late afternoon sun​​ .

Winemaking

The Rayner Vineyard Grenache is crafted from 100% Grenache grapes, meticulously hand-picked to ensure the highest quality. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the true character of the vineyard to shine through. The fruit undergoes wild yeast fermentation with 20% whole bunches, adding structure and complexity to the wine.

Following fermentation, the wine is aged for about six months in a combination of ceramic eggs and old French barrels, which helps preserve its fresh, vibrant fruit flavors while adding subtle texture and depth. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to maintain its purity and integrity​​.

Did you know?

Bondar Wines was founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly. Their approach blends traditional McLaren Vale fruit with cool climate winemaking techniques inspired by their experiences in the Northern Rhône and the Adelaide Hills. This unique perspective is evident in the finesse and elegance of their wines​​.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red, with a clear and vibrant hue.
• Aroma: The nose is expressive, featuring red fruit aromas such as raspberry and strawberry, intermingled with subtle herbal notes and hints of wildflowers.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is elegant and savory, showcasing a lively acid-driven backbone with flavors of red berries and a touch of spice. The inclusion of whole bunches adds tannin and extra layers of complexity, providing a well-structured framework for long-term aging.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Lamb Chops: The wine's acidity and red fruit flavors complement the rich, savory character of grilled lamb, while its tannins cut through the meat's fat.
• Roasted Duck with Cherry Sauce: The Grenache's bright fruit profile and herbal nuances pair beautifully with the sweet and tangy cherry sauce, enhancing the duck's succulent flavors.
• Vegetable Ratatouille: The wine's complexity and savory notes match well with the medley of roasted vegetables, herbs, and tomato sauce in this classic Provençal dish.
• Mature Cheddar Cheese: The wine's acidity and fruitiness balance the cheese's sharpness, creating a harmonious pairing that highlights the best attributes of both.

History of Bondar Estate

Bondar Wines was established in 2013 when Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly acquired the Rayner Vineyard in McLaren Vale. Their vision was to create wines that combine the rich, robust fruit of McLaren Vale with the finesse and elegance they admired in cool-climate wines from regions like the Northern Rhône and the Adelaide Hills. Andre, with a background in winemaking and a deep passion for viticulture, and Selina, who brought her experience in the wine industry, formed a perfect partnership dedicated to producing high-quality wines.

The Rayner Vineyard, with its old, dry-grown Grenache and Shiraz vines, provided the ideal foundation for their winemaking journey.

The estate's bush vines, some up to 70 years old, and the introduction of other varieties like Mourvèdre, Carignan, Touriga, Counoise, Cinsault, and Sagrantino, reflect their commitment to exploring the full potential of McLaren Vale's diverse terroir.

Region and Vineyards

McLaren Vale, situated in South Australia, is celebrated for its Mediterranean climate and diverse soils, making it one of Australia's premier wine regions. The Rayner Vineyard spans around 20 hectares, with about three-quarters planted to vine. The vineyard is strategically located on the border of the Blewitt Springs and Seaview sub-regions, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines.

Blewitt Springs is known for its deep sandy soils that help retain moisture, producing wines with elegant structure and fine tannins. In contrast, Seaview offers higher elevation and cooler temperatures, adding balance and complexity to the wines. The combination of these sub-regions allows Bondar to craft wines with remarkable depth, character, and finesse.

Wine Range

Bondar Wines produces a diverse range of wines that showcase the best of McLaren Vale's terroir. Their portfolio includes:

• Rayner Vineyard Shiraz: Known for its rich, robust flavors and elegant structure, this Shiraz is a true reflection of McLaren Vale's terroir.
• Violet Hour Shiraz: A refined and complex Shiraz that captures the unique qualities of the Rayner Vineyard.
• Junto GSM: An innovative blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro, offering a fresh and vibrant expression of these Mediterranean varieties.
• Rayner Vineyard Grenache: Celebrated for its purity and aromatic intensity, this Grenache showcases the old vines' depth and complexity.

Each wine in their range is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing minimal intervention and sustainable practices to preserve the natural expression of the vineyard.

Did You Know?

The name "Bondar" is inspired by Andre Bondar's family heritage. It reflects the founders' dedication to their roots and their passion for creating wines that honor the traditions and terroir of McLaren Vale.