Bindi Dhillon Glenhope Macedon Ranges Accidental Red 2023
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.
The Accidental Red came about in 2022 by…..unforeseen opportunity…..by accident! The Merlot being pressed for Rosé had too much juice remaining to discard to compost and Shiraz pressings had too much colour for Rosé so in they went together. In 2023 they decided to make the Accidental Red deliberately and to make it better. And they have! Merlot berries are fermented with pressed out Shiraz juice, so in effect there was half the amount of the usual skins for the wine volume. A relatively quick wild yeast fermentation (limiting the time on skins) then into barrel for malolactic and six months maturing through the winter. Simple. This wine is from premium Macedon Ranges fruit yet comes in as a bright, chillable, quaffable, deliberately inexpensive fun wine. It’s fruity and gently juicy, perfumed and earthy. The palate is smooth in a mid-weight Pinot-like way with a silky, fine tannin finish..
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz, Merlot
Country - Australia
Region - Macedon, Victoria
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%