Bondar Rayner Vineyard Grenache 2024

Bondar Rayner Vineyard Grenache is a perfumed, mid-weight red from marked old vines on the estate's sandiest ground.

Certain rows in the 1970 planting are flagged during the season and picked only for this bottling — the lowest-cropping vines on the site, east-facing on its western edge, ducking the late-afternoon heat and setting small bunches of small berries. The sand belongs to the Pirramimma sandstone geology, and the block is dry-grown and organically managed. Harvest comes early by local standards, which is how the herbal, red-fruited register survives. Twenty per cent whole bunches go into spontaneous ferments for structure, then six months in ceramic eggs and mature French barrels. Another cool, late McLaren Vale season shows plainly in the glass.

Lace-like red fruit, bright acidity, perfume and fine spice, with tannin that grips lightly and then lets go. Pour it at 15 to 16 degrees. Roast pork belly, quail on the barbecue, or a bowl of ratatouille with good bread.

*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.