Bondar Rayner Vineyard Grenache 2023

Bondar Rayner Vineyard Grenache is a high-toned, pure Grenache from the coolest of three consecutive La Niña vintages.

Three La Niña seasons in a row left McLaren Vale cooler and later than usual, and this was the coolest of them; the result is lacier red fruit with no loss of shape. Fruit comes from the 1970 block on Pirramimma sand, dry-grown and organic, facing east on the vineyard's western flank where the vines duck the worst afternoon heat. Picking runs ahead of most in the district, chasing herb and red fruit over sweetness, and a fifth of the crop goes in as whole bunches. Six months in ceramic eggs and French barrels follows, then bottling without fining or filtration.

Lacy and perfumed, all red cherry and dried herb, with tannin sitting fine and dusty underneath. Around 15 to 16 degrees is right. Try it with roast chicken and bread sauce, spiced lamb meatballs, or prosciutto and figs.

*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.