2023 Bondar Violet Hour Shiraz

The 2023 Violet Hour Shiraz captures everything we love about McLaren Vale Shiraz, with a fresh, modern twist. Named after the dusky, violet-hued skies that marked the Bondars’ first-ever Shiraz harvest, this wine is all about elegance and power in perfect harmony.

From the Rayner Vineyard—a revered site where the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs meet the structure of Seaview—this Shiraz offers the best of both worlds. Bright blue and red fruits take centre stage, complemented by silky tannins and a gentle aromatic lift that gives the wine a beautiful, expansive feel without the weight of heavy oak.

"It’s kind of bang on for that philosophy of that wine. You've got this modern, more medium-bodied take on the variety, but still got lots of flavour, good tannin, no oak influence... I love it. It’s really, really fine. Exactly what we want from Violet Hour."
- Andre Bondar on the 2023 Violet Hour

With its lovely tannin structure and vibrant red fruit, the 2023 Violet Hour is both versatile and sophisticated, offering plenty of flavour for drinkers who want the plushness and complexity of McLaren Vale without the heaviness. 

A must-buy for any Shiraz lover seeking something both stylish and expressive.

96 points
"The value here has always been super keen. That’s as true as ever with this iteration from a cool year, typically lifted and fragrant but also with some serious import. A tick up from mid-weight, this is spicy and peppered ferruginous minerality, along with blackberry, dark cherries, tapenade, violet, cassia, bay, coffee bean, and salted licorice. Red berries swell up on the palate, with a thoughtfully woven skein of tannins underwriting its class. Excellent."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)