2024 Aphelion Pir Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc, McLaren Vale

From 50-year-old vines in the Brini vineyard, Blewitt Springs; part tank and part fermented and raised in a new Austrian puncheon and older French barriques. Well, this is a treat, vibrantly fresh but also intensely flavourful and profoundly textural. It’s almost in your face, but it’s a welcome intrusion. Cooked Bramley and fresh Cripps apple, nashi, cool white peach, cinnamon, ground ginger clove. The sweep of texture is commanding, but so is the quietly vigorous acidity and seam of phenolic tension. Lovely.

95 points Special Value Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Founded by husband-and-wife team Rob and Louise Mack, Aphelion has built a reputation for crafting expressive wines that champion lesser-known varieties and vineyard sites. This Chenin Blanc is sourced from the elevated Blewitt Springs subregion, known for its ancient sandy soils and cooler microclimate, which bring freshness and complexity to the wine.

Pale gold in color, this Chenin Blanc offers an aromatic nose of quince, ripe pear, and citrus blossom, with underlying notes of honey, wild herbs, and a touch of flint. The palate is vibrant yet layered, featuring flavors of green apple, lemon curd, and white peach, balanced by a zesty acidity and a subtle saline edge. A gentle creaminess from time on lees adds depth and texture, leading to a long, refreshing finish with hints of citrus peel and almond.

This Chenin Blanc is a natural match for seafood dishes like grilled prawns, seared scallops, or baked snapper. Its texture and acidity also make it a great companion for roast chicken, soft cheeses, and vegetable-based dishes such as zucchini fritters or grilled asparagus. While delicious in its youth, Pir has the potential to develop further complexity over the next 5–7 years.

Aphelion’s innovative and terroir-focused approach has earned critical acclaim, with their wines regularly praised for their balance, character, and drinkability. Pir Chenin Blanc stands out as a serious yet approachable expression of McLaren Vale’s potential for high-quality white wines.