Junto is Spanish for ‘together’, and in this case means a union of old friends: Grenache (88%), Shiraz (6%), Mataro (3%), Carignan (2%) and Counoise (1%). The Grenache is culled from three separate blocks: the lion’s share is from Bondar's own Rayner vineyard; there’s an old-vine proportion (80 years old) from a grower five kilometres away in McLaren Flat; and then the Trott Wilpena vineyard in Blewitt Springs contributed the balance. The Shiraz was also home-grown Rayner fruit, while the Mataro was sourced from a grower in the foothills of Willunga on the famed Kurrajong soils. The tiny additions of Counoise and Carignan were drawn from young plantings in the Rayner vineyard.
All the fruit was wild-fermented with approximately 15% whole-bunches, then raised in old oak. The blend was put together with the idea that Grenache heroes, with Shiraz supporting with flesh and the Mataro with spice, structure and tannin. The Carignan and Counoise add further finesse to the palate and contribute to the complexity. As always, Junto is a lively, vibrant wine with the restraint, energy and sheer drinkability that was once hardly known in the McLaren Vale. It’s fresh and racy, dripping with red fruits and spice, and as unpretentious as it is delicious. As the notes below make clear, this is an absolute steal for the money.