Bindi Kostas Rind Chardonnay 2022

Located in the Macedon Ranges, 50 kilometers northwest of Melbourne, Bindi is a family property owned by the Dhillon family. Originally part of the larger grazing farm ‘Bundaleer,’ Bindi is a 170-hectare farm with 7 hectares dedicated to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The property also includes 15 hectares of managed plantation eucalypts for high-grade furniture timber, while the remaining land is preserved as remnant bushland and important indigenous grasslands. At Bindi, the vineyard is the primary focus of their endeavours. The winemaking philosophy is centred around seeking balance and purity in the expression of the various individual vineyard sites and this philosophy is applied to farming and conservation at Bindi to preserve natural harmony. The Bindi labels featured under the ‘wine styles’ link provide insight into the people and places that define their endeavour. The stories behind each label showcase the passion and dedication that goes into producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Macedon Ranges. With a commitment to balance, purity, and conservation, Bindi is a true reflection of the Dhillon family’s love for the land and their craft. Michael Dhillon comes from a family with roots in Gisborne since 1853 and grew up on a farm in Bindi. He established a vineyard with Bill Dhillon in 1988 and now produces chardonnay and pinot with his family. Michael’s winemaking journey began as an assistant to Stuart Anderson in 1991 and he assumed full responsibility in 1998. He gained experience in Europe, working with notable winemakers and visiting over 100 different domaines in Burgundy. Michael’s connection to the land and experience have led him to produce exceptional wines. At Bindi, the winemaking process is carefully controlled to produce exceptional wines. Fermentations occur without the addition of yeast, yeast nutrient, or enzyme, allowing the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through. Unsettled Chardonnay juice is transferred directly to barrels, while reds are gently worked with delicate pressing and long lees aging in French barrels. The winemakers follow strict protocols with minimal racking, no fining and restricted filtration regimes to preserve the purity and integrity of the wine. These meticulous practices result in wines that are a true reflection of the terroir and the passion of the winemakers. Bindi Kostas Rind Chardonnay 2022 is a tribute to the Lithuanian sage who epitomized wisdom and humility. Kostas Rind mentored Bill Darshan Sight Dhillon at Ballarat Grammar School in 1958 and introduced him to the culture and celebration of fine wine. It was Kostas who foresaw that Bill would work on the land and his influence is evident in the first Bindi wine, the 1991 Chardonnay, which was dedicated to him. This wine, made from the same volcanic and Ordovician soils planted in 1988, continues the tradition of acknowledging Kostas Rind’s influence on the Bindi winemaking philosophy. The dedication to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Macedon Ranges is a testament to Kostas Rind’s wisdom and humility. The Kostas Rind Chardonnay is a fitting tribute to a man who played a significant role in shaping the Bindi legacy. The Bindi Kostas Rind Chardonnay 2022 is a rare and exceptional wine, with less than 20% of the usual volume made. This wine is made without the addition of yeast, nutrients or enzymes. Once the juice is in the barrel, a small amount of sulfur is added and then the winemakers wait for about five days for fermentation to begin. The wine is then left to age for 10 months on yeast lees in French barrels, of which 25% are new, before being bottled in late February. The resulting wine boasts typical and distinctive aromas of grapefruit and lemon, with jasmine blossom lifting from the glass. With time, gently creamy and savory/spicy aromas emerge. On the palate, it is full, fresh, chalky, zesty, harmonious and quite smooth. It’s still early days and careful cellaring for five years will see a building of complexity and texture. The Bindi Kostas Rind Chardonnay 2022 is a testament to the winemakers’ commitment to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Macedon Ranges. With a meticulous winemaking process and careful aging, this wine is sure to be a favorite among wine enthusiasts. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Australia Region – Macedon, Victoria Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.5%