Bondar Violet Hour Shiraz 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Rayner Vineyard in McLaren Vale spans approximately 20 hectares, with about three-quarters planted to vines. This vineyard is strategically located on the border of the Blewitt Springs and Seaview sub-regions, each contributing distinctive characteristics to the wine. Blewitt Springs is known for its deep sandy soils, which help retain moisture and contribute to the elegance and fragrance of the wines. Seaview, with its higher elevation and cooler temperatures, adds balance and complexity.

McLaren Vale is one of Australia's most renowned wine regions, celebrated for its Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for growing high-quality Shiraz. The region's proximity to the Gulf St. Vincent and the Adelaide Hills provides cooling breezes that ensure a slow and even grape maturation, resulting in wines with depth and complexity​​.

Winemaking

The Bondar Violet Hour Shiraz is made from 100% Shiraz grapes, sourced exclusively from the estate's Rayner Vineyard. The vines range in age from 30 to 70 years, planted in deep sandy soils with some ironstone rocks. The grapes are hand-picked and undergo wild yeast fermentation, using a combination of whole bunch and de-stemmed fruit. The fermentation process varies in duration depending on the block, with all batches vinified separately to maintain their unique characteristics.

The wine is aged for approximately 10 months in older oak barrels, which helps preserve the fruit's purity while adding subtle complexity and structure. The final blend is carefully put together in May and bottled without fining or filtering in July, ensuring the wine's integrity and natural expression​​.

Did You Know?

Violet Hour refers to the magical time just before sunset when the light softens and the landscape is bathed in a beautiful violet hue. This name reflects the elegance and beauty of the wine, capturing the essence of this serene and enchanting moment​​.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with vibrant purple highlights.
• Aroma: Aromas of red and purple berries, green tea (matcha), star anise, and exotic spices.
• Palate: The wine is light, spicy, and slightly sappy, with a lively and balanced palate. It features flavors of red berries, anise, and a plethora of exotic spices, all delivered with a silky touch. The fine acidity and well-integrated tannins provide a long and satisfying finish.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Barbecued Beef Ribs: The robust flavors and smokiness of barbecued beef ribs complement the deep berry and spice notes of the Shiraz. The wine's fine acidity and integrated tannins cut through the richness of the meat, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Lamb Tagine: This Moroccan dish, with its blend of spices, dried fruits, and tender lamb, pairs beautifully with the Shiraz. The wine’s complex spice notes and rich fruit flavors enhance the savory and sweet elements of the tagine.
• Mushroom and Truffle Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms and the luxurious aroma of truffles are a perfect match for the Shiraz’s complex palate. The wine's acidity balances the creamy texture of the risotto, while its spice notes complement the truffle.
• Beef Bourguignon: This classic French dish, with its rich sauce made from red wine, mushrooms, and bacon, pairs wonderfully with the Shiraz. The wine's deep fruit flavors and subtle spice notes enhance the dish’s savory components, making for a harmonious pairing.
• Aged Gouda Cheese: The nutty and caramelized flavors of aged Gouda are complemented by the fruitiness and spice of the Shiraz. The wine's acidity balances the cheese's richness, creating a delightful contrast.

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.