2025 Aphelion Wait Grenache, McLaren Vale

From 1940s dry-grown bush vines; 100% whole bunch ferment; neutral French oak. The single-site wines are so distinct, especially when given ample air, and perhaps more air is needed in '25. Is this the most complete? I think it edges in. It's lifted with heady spices that take a North African tilt, and just as equipped with florals, more in the blue and purple zone than red, with marasca and amarena cherries, darkly ripe raspberry, blueberry and sun-warmed hardy herbs beneath. There’s a generosity to this, not plush as such, but just enveloping, with the transparency and refined detail of the house. Tannins pithy, grippy, moreish; acidity energising. As the name says: Wait (or decant). This is excellent. Drink to 2035.

97 points & Special Value Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, September 2026

Deep-ish, bright purple-red colour with almost blue in the meniscus. Dried herbs and forest underbrush to sniff, a whiff of chinotto in the background, while the palate is medium full bodied and rounded, with a suggestion of oak and impressive richness, concentration and backbone. Drying on the finish. This will reward more time, and work well with food. Drink to 2040.

95 points Huon Hooke The Real Review, October 2026

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the mid-1940s planted Top Bush block in the well-regarded Wait family vineyard in the Blewitt Springs subregion of McLaren Vale. Hand-picked on the 6th of March, all the fruit was kept as whole bunches for the cool and slow ferment, with the pressed wine matured on full lees in large format well-seasoned French oak. The wine was then 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.