This is the big brother to the Violet Hour and the Midnight Hour, standing as the serious, cellar-worthy apex of the Bondar Shiraz lineup. It is drawn exclusively from the two oldest blocks on the Rayner estate, a site that is fast becoming one of the most celebrated in McLaren Vale.

The blend is specific and deliberate. About three-quarters of the fruit comes from Block 24, planted in 1950 on deep sands and ironstone. These dry-grown vines provide the perfume and the muscle of the wine. The remainder comes from Block 1, planted in 1960 on clay and limestone in a cool gully, which provides the structural backbone and grip.

Winemaker Andre Bondar doesn’t hold back on the technique here. He utilised a massive 90% whole bunches in the wild fermentation. That high stem component brings a savoury, herbal freshness that cuts right through the old-vine fruit density. Aged for a year in older French oak followed by six months settling in large foudres, this is a complex, structured Shiraz that shows just how elegant the Vale can be.

96 points
“The cool year, the third in a row, plays into the house credo, balancing fruit depth and intensity with pep and floral lift. Its a very good release.”
– Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)