Bondar McLaren Vale Sampler Pack

Since his time working at Nepenthe, Andre Bondar has loved Adelaide Hills Chardonnay. Now, with his own label, he has the chance to make it just the way he likes it.

He found a cool little vineyard in Echunga, at 400m ASL, had the fruit picked by hand, pressed it as whole bunches and sent it to barrel and ceramic eggs to ferment at its own pace. Nine months later, this gorgeous little wine emerged. For a guy who owns a vineyard in the heart of 'big reds' country, Andre Bondar knows his way around a Chardonnay as well as anyone.

The 2018 release is pure and unadorned with overt oak or artifice. A truly lovely wine and yet another success for this impressive McLaren Vale outfit.

Carefully crafting a spot on Rosé can be a tricky business. It may seem simple from the outside but there are a lot of decisions to be made along the way.

Take this fantastic Rosé from McLaren Vale outfit, Bondar. The fruit is picked from three sites, including from their famous home block, the Rayner vineyard. Two of the batches were fermented in ceramic egg, the third in barrel with some more pressings to get a little extra grip and "stuffing" in the mid palate. A little dash of Cinsualt bringing a little something extra to the 2020 version.

Suffice to say, Andre has nailed this release. 

Theirs is a wildly successful crack at this now insanely popular "Provence" inspired style of Rosé. If you like your pinks dry but full flavoured with delicacy and deliciousness in equal proportion - you're going to love this!

In only a few short vintages this dynamic couple have carved out a niche for their eponymous label as one of the most exciting and in demand wineries in McLaren Vale.

Drinkability is writ large across the range. The 'Junto' (Spanish for 'together') is a wine made for easily enjoying with friends and family. The 2019 version is just as good as ever.

The Grenache component a much less than in previous years (88%), the power of the 2019 vintage bringing a richer, more silky wine to bottle on release. This is as delicious as medium-bodied reds get from this part of the world.

Incredibly versatile and impossibly more-ish, Andre and Selina have done it again.

The name 'Violet Hour' refers to the fading light owners Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly saw on the horizon as they picked the last bunches of Shiraz for their first ever release, the 2012 edition of this wine. A violet sky, a beautiful wine, and a new future ahead for the couple and their vines.

The Violet hour tastes as stylish as it looks, it hits that sweet-spot for all red wine lovers - a combination of elegance and power.

The pedigree of the McLaren Vale vineyard is second to none - it's one of the most respected sites in McLaren Vale where Seaview and Blewitt Springs meet. You get the lively, bright blue fruits of the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs with the power and structure of the Seaview terroir. It's a winning combination. The quality of the Shiraz speaks for itself.

Put simply, if you like McLaren Vale Shiraz with a fresh face - this is a must buy.

There are only 0.7ha of beautiful 40+-year-old Grenache vines on the Rayner Block. The public knows the vineyard for its supreme Shiraz. Many a winemaker has sought it for its stunning Grenache.

This is the top red wine in the Bondar range for a reason. As with all of the best modern styles of Grenache coming out of McLaren Vale, the emphasis here is squarely placed on making a fresh, aromatic yet powerful style of wine that tells the story of vintage through the lens of this noble grape.

With only 210 dozen in existence of wine, you'll have to be quick if you want to find out what he's talking about. Drink some now, keep some for later, we have a feeling this will be something pretty special in a few years time. Another win for the Bondars and for all lovers McLaren Vale Grenache lovers!