2025 Bondar Rayner Vineyard Grenache

The Rayner Vineyard is legendary for its Shiraz, but the old-vine Grenache plantings on the deep sand of the western edge are arguably Andre Bondar's best assets on the property. Planted in 1970 and entirely dry-grown, this section naturally yields small, highly concentrated berries.

The 2025 vintage threw up a massive challenge, with exceptionally dry conditions cutting yields by a brutal 50%. To save the wine, Andre adapted, pulling in some adjacent vines and, for the first time, incorporating about 30% younger-vine fruit from 10-year-old bush vines planted upslope. This pivot turned out to be a masterstroke - while the old vines provide the baseline power and concentration, the younger fruit adds a beautiful layer of freshness and aromatic lift that defines the vintage.

In the winery, the philosophy remains low-intervention. Fermented with about 20% whole bunches for a touch of savoury grip and perfume, the wine spent six months maturing in old French oak and ceramic eggs before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. It's a lighter, savoury-leaning, and incredibly pure McLaren Vale Grenache, though the '25 is a bit darker and plumper than the past couple of releases. It’s just a thoughtful, confident, and deeply expressive red that lets the sand and the season do all the talking. Outstanding value.

95+ points
"There’s a deepness to this, and some levity. It feels spicier, earthier, less buoyantly red-fruited, although the cranberry, pomegranate and redcurrant notes are there, along with black cherry, spiced plum, raspberry compote, Baharat spicing and, discreetly, the crackling dry herbs of whole-bunch fermentation, a rusted-iron note, too. There’s fine tension, savouriness and drive. Give it a little time. It won't disappoint."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)