2024 Aphelion Brini Grenache, McLaren Vale

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The 2024 Brini Single Site Grenache was made in the same way as the other vintages, however the tannins feel completely different here. I asked winemaker Rob Mack if he did anything differently—I was wondering specifically about maturation vessel, as the tannins have a concrete-cast to them, like when a wine is matured in amphora or egg. However, everything about this wine remains true to site and style—same vineyard, same block, same 100% whole bunch, same old puncheons. So, what we see is the impact of season. And that is fascinating. With notes of pressed flowers, ash, clove, pomegranate and redcurrant, the impact of the whole bunches rides high here, as opposed to the other cuvées where it has been hidden—perhaps by the season, perhaps by time. I expect this character to ameliorate before release, as I have rarely comment on this character for the other vintages when I saw them on release. Drink to 2034.

95+ points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, September 2025

From a higher block on the Brini vineyard, Blewitt Springs. Like its two siblings in the single-site range, this was fermented as 100% whole bunches, then pressed to neutral French oak for élevage of around a year. Like the Wait, this is somewhat moodier and more brooding (not bigger, just less yielding) than the Hickinbotham, and perhaps more so. It’s a little sinewy and spicy, and also edgy in a savoury way. Tart raspberry and balsamic-macerated strawberries, umeboshi, iron, pepper, celery salt and camphor. There are floral notes present, if a little restrained, a little compressed. Give it a year or so and it will soar. Drink to 2036.

95 points Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, September 2025

Aphelion is the McLaren Vale based negociant business of Rob and Lou Mack. Founded in 2014, they focus on small batches of Grenache, with key long term growers including Marsh Brini, Jo Lepresti, Ben Lacey, Robyn and Gary Wait as well as Cathy Charnock and Peter Lockett.