Bondar Hope Springs Eternal Grenache 2024

Trott vineyard, ’52-planted bush vines, about 60% whole bunch with a very gentle extraction, matured in seasoned Austrian oak, ceramic and sandstone amphora. The Trott vineyard often throws darker fruits and moodier florals, and they’re here, yet the core remains red fruited and the structure is agreeably tense, a conduit for the twin charge of acidity and silty, chewy tannins. The high whole-bunch component builds that tannin, plus adds spice, but is also discreet. Wild raspberry, sour black and red cherry, redcurrant gel, goji, rosehip tea, orange poached rhubarb. It’s a wine of deep intrigue rather than easy pleasures, savoury, structurally corded, far from difficult, but a wine to age, as is the intent. 97 points – Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion

The parcel was divided into two ferments: one incorporating 60% whole bunches, the other 30%. Élevage was carried out over approximately 16 months in a seasoned 600L Stockinger demi-muid and a Vin de Terre ceramic amphora. The Trott Vineyard tends to produce Grenache with a darker fruit profile, layered with considerable structure. It is a wine that rewards patience — one that requires time to harmonise, soften, and fully reveal its character. Extended élevage in oak and ceramic allows the wine to retain freshness while gradually refining and integrating its firm tannin structure.