Bondar Monastrell 2022

Bondar Monastrell is a savoury, medium-bodied Mourvèdre made in tiny quantity in McLaren Vale.

The Spanish name is a deliberate signal: Andre Bondar wants a savoury, medium-weight wine, not the tannic heavyweight the variety is usually turned into in South Australia. The fruit comes off fifteen-year-old vines in the Lacey vineyard at Willunga, where rocky clay loam sits over the Kurrajong formation, farmed with very few inputs. Picking is by hand, nothing is added, and the wine goes to bottle unfined and unfiltered after thirteen months in seasoned French hogsheads, with a share of the ferment done as whole bunches. Production runs to about 100 dozen, which is why it disappears so quickly.

Brightly perfumed, with berry fruit, exotic spice and a whole-bunch edge, then a savoury mineral layer, fresh structure and a long forceful close. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. Roast lamb, chorizo, or a paprika-spiked stew.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.