2022 Aphelion Confluence Grenache, McLaren Vale

Octogenarian Blewitt Springs bush vines. Fermented wild, replete with 30% whole bunches. Maturation in larger neutral French oak of various formats. Pinosité in spades, with a shimmer of cranberry, persimmon, fecund strawberry and kirsch. From the first whiff to the long jittery linger, such is the wine's intensity of flavour, crunch and tannic sinew. Picked on the earlier side, verging on marginal. Pulled off with aplomb.

93 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

Vibrant red with purple hues in the glass. Raspberry, cinnamon spice, and red liquorice aromatics jump from the glass and an herbal edge gives great interest. On the palate Satsuma plum, wild strawberry and fine sandalwood dominate with fine tannins giving the wine exemplary length. The palate shows great intensity and concentration without being heavy or cloying. A wine that shows great poise and balance.