Bondar Wines Chardonnay 2023

Bondar was named Halliday's 'Best New Winery' in his 2017 Australian Wine Companion, they were also named one of the Top 50 'Young Guns of Wine' in 2018.

Bondar's Chardonnay is, as always, sourced from the 30-year-old Rathmine vineyard in Echunga, which sits at 450 metres above sea level, on stony, shallow clay loam over a limestone base. All of Bondar's fruit is hand-picked in the cool of early morning, whole-bunch pressed directly to barrel, and fermented naturally in French oak (approx. 25% new) and two ceramic eggs. Some parcels were allowed to go through malo naturally until the balance of acidity was right, and there was no lees stirring.

”Wild-yeast fermentation in (25% new) barrels, spontaneous malolactic and lees work, sans stirring in lieu of the low-yielding hot year. While I find the array of Mediterranean varieties at this estate compelling, this is exceptional chardonnay from the Hills. Riveting! A core of nougat, cashew, vanilla pod and oatmeal cream, with rims of mineral pungency and a frame flecked by stone-fruit references, sweet and savoury/sour. A thrilling tussle between extract, energy and structural binds."  Rating: 95 Points.  Ned Goodwin.  (Halliday Wine Companion 2022)