Bondar Tasting @ PWS David Jones February 2026
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Bondar Junto GSM 202572/13/8/7% grenache (Rayner site and the Trott Vineyard)/mataro (Willunga)/shiraz (Rayner)/counoise (Rayner). There’s some bunch in the grenache, and the wine was raised in 1700–2700L vats. The medium-weighted, accessible, everyday drinking red from Bondar, a wine made to fit the climate and culture of the region. And this nails it, again. Red fruits, pomegranate, cranberry, tart raspberry, rose petals, a background of dried herbs and spice. But it’s no disposable vin de soif, so informed it is by fine tannic detail, crunchy acidity and lingering flavour resonance. Such a beautiful thing. (95) MARCUS ELLIS, Halliday Wine Companion
I tasted this informally at the (very nice) Bondar cellar door back in January, and I liked it then. This is Grenache (73%), Mataro (12%), Shiraz (8%) and Counoise (7%).
Raspberry, spice, some floral notes and dried herb. It’s medium-bodied, a fresh and juicy wine, red fruits with something of a nutty character, a light grip to tannin, a little smudgy on the finish (in a nice sort of way mind you), a subtle aniseed and herb flavour closes it out. Pretty good length too. A nice drink we have here. Easy to enjoy. GARY WALSH, The Wine Front
2025Grenache, Mourvedre, shirazAustralia436$32.00 -
Bondar Violet Hour Shiraz 2024Andre Bondar and Selena Kelly approach McLaren Vale Shiraz like young renovators who've inherited a mansion from an eccentric old aunt. What was one star has had the light let in, with ornate overstuffing replaced by 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 how quickly you feel at home. (96) NICK RYAN
“The Violet Hour is a flag in the ground for the Bondar style, where perfume is favoured over heft, and the fruit and site take precedent over winemaking artefact” – Young Gun of Wine.2024shirazAustralia436$38.00 As low as $34.20