2024 Aphelion Wait Grenache, McLaren Vale

From the top block of bush vines on the Wait vineyard in Blewitt Springs, with vines back to the mid-1940s. These single-site grenache bottlings are quite different to the '23s, and that’s no surprise given the relatively warmer year, with a reflection of greater ripeness in the stems, or that’s how it seems. It’s brooding in a way, but also refined. Amaro herbs, preserved sour cherry, white pepper, a bastourma-like cured meat note, lingonberry, goji, dusky rose and a crackle of spice. This was picked on the earlier side, based on the final alcohol, giving a pleasing verve and linearity, though the fruit is impeccably ripe, and the site reflection bell clear. Excellent.

96 points Marcus Ellis Halliday Wine Companion

From old vine sites across McLaren Vale, Aphelion Wait Grenache is a finely tuned expression of place, crafted with a clear focus on purity, perfume and restraint. Aphelion, founded by Rob Mack and Louise Newell, has quickly built a cult following for Grenache that leans toward elegance and site transparency rather than weight. The fruit for Wait is sourced from carefully selected vineyards, handled with minimal intervention and aged with a light touch to preserve freshness and detail.

A bright ruby with garnet edges glows in the glass. Aromas rise with wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry layered with rose petal, white pepper and subtle dried herb complexity. There is an immediate sense of lift and finesse, quietly compelling.

The palate is medium bodied and beautifully poised, delivering juicy red berry fruit framed by fine, powdery tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of cranberry, spice and a gentle savoury edge build through the mid palate, leading to a long, flowing finish that feels both precise and expressive. This is Grenache built on energy and balance, drinking beautifully now and evolving over six to ten years into more savoury, complex territory.

Lamb kofta with herbs and yoghurt, charred eggplant with tahini and lemon, or crispy duck pancakes shared across the table. A shift into something groove heavy and layered, Khruangbin easing into Fela Kuti, even a touch of minimalist Reich patterns later on, the wine moving with that same sense of rhythm, detail and quiet intensity.