2024 Aphelion Rapture Grenache, McLaren Vale

Medium-depth red with a lacing of purple; there are spicy and red fruited aromas, the palate is very drying thanks to mouth-coating powdery tannins, which tend to dominate the fruit. A big structured wine with classic juicy raspberry grenache fruit also very evident. A bigger style and very smart indeed. 09 Nov 2025 Drink 2026–2038

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

From the Hickinbotham vineyard in Clarendon, and the oldest vines, contour planted in 1971. This saw a 20% whole-bunch ferment for two weeks before pressing to a cocciopesto Drunk Turtle amphora. Tannin – so important in grenache. Natural tannin that is – from skins, seeds and stems, not oak or other intrusions. It’s the foundation here; silty, sandy, savoury and quietly coercive. Rhubarb, blood orange, dried cranberry, fading roses, sour cherry, faint Baharat spicing, bergamot and a hint of iris. The '24 Aphelion grenache suite is superb, with this vying for line honours. It’s academically mid-weight but intense and incredibly long. It’s got detail, confident ease, depth and transparency, with a sapid mineral tension to close. Yes, yes, yes!

97 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Aphelion Rapture Grenache comes from some of the finest old vine Grenache vineyards in McLaren Vale and represents the core philosophy of the winery founded by Rob Mack and Lou Rhodes Mack. Rob, formerly the chief winemaker at Wirra Wirra, has long been fascinated by Grenache and its ability to express site and vine age. With Aphelion he set out to focus almost entirely on the variety, working with carefully selected old vineyards across McLaren Vale. Many of these vines were planted between the 1930s and 1950s in deep sandy soils that naturally limit vigour and produce small concentrated berries. The result is Grenache with remarkable perfume, balance and finesse.

The wine shows a vibrant ruby colour with bright clarity. Aromas leap from the glass with wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry layered with rose petal, Turkish delight and hints of white pepper. As it opens further notes of dried herbs, spice and subtle earth begin to emerge. The palate is beautifully poised with fine silky tannins carrying flavours of red berries, pomegranate and gentle spice across a graceful frame. Fresh acidity gives the wine lift and energy while the old vines bring depth and complexity. The finish is long and perfumed with lingering red fruit and spice, capturing the elegance that modern McLaren Vale Grenache can achieve.

The wine will continue to evolve over the next ten to twelve years and suits dishes such as slow roasted lamb shoulder, grilled quail or herb roasted pork.