2024 Aphelion Confluence Grenache, McLaren Vale

The 2024 season was a return to warmer, drier conditions, although nothing to excess. Here, the perfume in the 2024 Confluence Grenache speaks of red fruits in abundance, exotic spices and supple tannins to match it on the plate. This is superb and one of the better (best?) Confluence Grenaches made and released. 13.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

95 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

70/30% Clarendon and Blewitt Springs; 40% whole bunch in steel and concrete; élevage in cocciopesto, concrete egg and seasoned French 2800L foudre and demi-muid. A warmer year than the few prior, but not by a lot. Sour cherry, pomegranate, rhubarb, amaro herbs, Campari, dried orange and rosehip tea, with a sinewy savouriness running through it. Medium weighted and equipped with fine, sandy tannin and crisp but not brisk acidity. It’s a fine release.

94+ points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

The Aphelion Confluence Grenache from McLaren Vale is a graceful and vibrant red that reflects both the region’s Mediterranean soul and the precision of winemaker Rob Mack. Aphelion, co-founded by Mack and Louise Rhodes, has earned a reputation as one of McLaren Vale’s most exciting small producers, with a particular focus on Grenache. The Confluence bottling is drawn from several old-vine sites in Blewitt Springs and White Valley, where sandy soils and cooling gully breezes produce fruit of aromatic lift, freshness and purity.

In the glass it shows a bright ruby colour. The nose is perfumed and expressive, with red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry interwoven with rose petals, spice and a hint of earth. On the palate it is medium-bodied and silky, offering juicy red fruits supported by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Gentle oak handling adds subtle spice and texture, while a mineral thread gives the wine length and poise. The finish is long, elegant and savoury, showcasing the modern, refined face of McLaren Vale Grenache.

Food pairings suit its elegance and versatility: roast duck with cherry glaze, lamb cutlets with rosemary, chargrilled quail, or vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto and roasted Mediterranean vegetables. Semi-hard cheeses such as Manchego or pecorino also pair beautifully. With 8 to 10 years of cellaring potential, it develops more savoury, earthy complexity while retaining its bright core of fruit.