Log in for prices and ordering
Named after the coloured sky under which Andre Bondar and Selina Kelly picked the last bunches of Shiraz for their first-ever release of this wine, Violet Hour is a blend of fruit from 11 blocks in Bondar’s Rayner vineyard. It is intended to be a wine that encapsulates the Bondar style—fragrance, juicy fruit and lightness of touch. The winemaking is adapted to the season, both whole-bunch and destemmed fruit are employed, and the juice spends varying times on skins depending on the block. The 2021 was raised only in older oak and bottled unfiltered.
This release mainlines the essence of the Rayner vineyard with ripe blue fruits, a floral hit, heady spices and a liquorice lift. Textured and weighted, the palate is a joyous riot with inky depth, spice, cracked pepper and charred meats carried cloud-like by bright acidity, beautifully integrated tannins and tightly focussed length. An excellent release, this will match (if not surpass) the enthusiasm shown for last year’s wine.