2025 Aphelion Plaisted's Grenache, McLaren Vale

Medium-full red-purple; sweet strawberry and raspberry aromas, overlaid by mixed toasted spices, a note of chinotto, the palate fleshy and plush, deep in flavour and extract, with density and detail. Tannins are ample but smooth and supple. Drink to 2036.

95 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, October 2026

From the Plaisted vineyard, Blewitt Sands district, lower Blewitt Springs, off 1947 vines planted to deep, sandy soils. From a quartet of single-site wines that are all elevated with ample air, this is the most reticent, needing time. There are some firmer edges here, a savouriness, a drier-toned quality, with notes of camphor and balsam across sour plum, dried black cherry and amaro herbs. That’s mirrored on the palate, with currently strident tannins and a cool acid line. It’s all in there, just so tightly wound, so compressed, with a long way to go to reveal itself properly. Stupidly academic, but this looked best on day five. The score will likely be humbled in time. Drink to 2035.

94+ points Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, September 2026

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the 1947 planted middle section in the Hatwell family farmed Plaisted’s vineyard in Blewitt Springs. Hand-picked on the 16th of February, all the fruit was kept as whole bunches for a cool and slow ferment, with the pressed wine matured on full lees in large format well-seasoned French oak. The wine was racked and blended in preparation for bottling in February 2026 which took place without fining or filtration.

This wine is vegan friendly.

About this producer

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.