Bondar Monastrell 2024

Bondar Monastrell is a spicy, mid-weight McLaren Vale Mourvèdre drawn from a single Willunga site.

Three barrels is the entire production. The fruit grows at Lacey on rocky clay loam over the Kurrajong formation, ground Andre Bondar likens to parts of Bandol where the vines also work through rock — a world away from the fine sands of his Rayner blocks. The vines are fifteen years old and farmed with minimal inputs. Whole bunches go into the ferment because he and Selina Kelly find they lift the aromatics and soften the frame. Fifteen months in used oak follows, then bottling unfined and unfiltered. Thick skins give this a firmer structure than the silky Rayner reds, though the house fragrance still comes through.

Fragrant and textured, with fresh fruit sitting over serious spice and a chewy lick of tannin from those thick skins. Give it half an hour open and pour at 16 degrees. Lamb kofta, braised beef cheek, or a wedge of hard sheep's cheese.

*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.