2025 Welkin Grenache by Aphelion, McLaren Vale

There’s now quite a grenache suite from Aphelion, which was a relatively early adopter of pushing the new message for the grape. This is at the everyday end of things, the juicy and bright hopping-off point. As always, though, there’s some thoughtful shading to the pop of bright colour. Baking spices and white pepper accent the strawberry, glossy cherry and redcurrant fruit in this medium-weight expression. The emphasis is on keen drinkability and food-friendly structure. Great drinking. Drink to 2029.

92 points & Special Value Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2026

Bright ruby, with raspberry and red cherry fruits and savoury notes of rubbed earth and bunchy stems. Sanguine too, like a rare steak. Light-bodied, with juicy, juby fruit balanced out by firm grainy tannins. Versatile and easy to reach for. Drink to 2032.

91 points Melisa Moore for The Real Review, May 2026

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.

The juicy, light and aromatic Welkin Grenache is a 50/50 blend of Whites Valley and Blewitt Springs fruit, and perfect served young, with a light chill to charcuterie grazing or simply on its own. It is vegan friendly.