Bondar Rayner Vineyard Shiraz 2019

While I am optimistic about grenache in these parts, I often find the style of shiraz monochromatic. Not in these hands. Despite the heat spikes of a warm year, the sandy blocks across the vineyard thrived. A cool finish to the season, providing perk. All things done right: picking window, use of whole bunches (20%) and a long extraction. Mostly older wood. A textural tour de force. Violet, blueberry, nori, peppery acidity and a licorella tannin line so fine that it could be threaded through the eye of a needle. A beautiful wine. 96 points – Ned Goodwin, Halliday Wine Companion 2022

A deep, dark and youthful palate. The aromas are in the dark zone, satsuma plums, dark cherry, chocolate, graphite and licorice. Likewise the flavours are deep, dark and brooding. Plums, coffee, mocha, spice and licorice drive the dense and layered fruit here. The tannins are firm and round out the lushness of the fruit nicely. A youthful wine, plenty going on; the parts are all there and very impressive. 95 points – Aaron Brasher, The Real Review