I first met winemaker Michael Dhillon, of Bindi Wines back in 1996 when I did vintage at a nearby winery in the Macedon Ranges. Michael's fanatical pursuit of perfection culminated in him being recognised as Winemaker of the Year for 2022 in James Halliday's Annual Wine Companion Awards. I've enjoyed many of Michael's wines over the years and am pleased to still have a few (but not enough!) of them in my cellar.
Michael produces sublime chardonnay and pinot noir from his own vineyards, as well as several other wines including a shiraz from Heathcote and a Col Mountain grenache.
"This is a very fine Kostas Rind, coming from the volcanic soils over clay on the lower Bindi Chardonnay plantings from 1988. Destemmed berries go into the press and the juice is taken straight from the tray into the barrels, around 30% of which are new small French oak. The fermentation occurs without yeast addition and the wine remains on all lees for ten months until just prior to bottling. The 2023 is very fine and pure, with a vibrant lemon/grapefruit brightness complimented by almond meal, white flowers and stone fruit kernel. The palate is vibrant, intense, focused, driven, chalky and very long. It will improve for six plus years and live well beyond."
Winemaker, Michael Dhillon.
