Aphelion - The Aussie Grenache Train Gathers Steam
The new Aphelion releases look great. Grenache is the clear focus here, with 'Confluence' a delicious example of the quality of McLaren Vale fruit when placed in the right hands. It gets better though: the single vineyard releases are really something special, and amongst a handful of wines at the summit of Australian Grenache today. Here we feature 'Wait' and 'Briny' which are remarkably different for two wines from the same variety, made in the same way by the same winemaker, but from plots only a short distance apart. Australian 'terroir' in plain sight. Mention must also go to the two Chenin Blancs: one (Welkin) for easy drinking but with texture and freshness in even parts, and the other (Pir) a step closer to examples from the Loire, with orchard fruit, bruised apple and plenty of weight and mouthfeel. – Ches Cook, FWC.
Aphelion Brini Grenache 2022
Wow! That was my first reaction. Anyone who hasn't seen the heights of Grenache should crack into one a bottle of this. From Blewitt Springs, 100% whole bunch from 1950s planted, dry grown Grenache. Gorgeously perfumed, very Pinot like, it shows wild strawberry, red and black cherry, red chrysanthemum and a dusting of spice. It's so effortless in the palate, with a sneaky build of weight, the tannins, fruit and acid are just so succinct. Pockets of dried herbs, amaro and blood orange peel all the more interest, whilst the finish just goes on and on. Highly recommended. Jeremy Muller, FWC.
100% whole bunch, and this wine shows that maybe more than the Wait. It may sport a little too much stalky and spicy whole bunchy for some, but I find it very firm and pleasing. Strawberry and raspberry, plenty of white pepper and rosy perfume. It’s medium-bodied, crisp and vibrant, emery board tannin, spicy and dusty red fruits, a little aniseed, very ‘minerally’ with a long and somewhat bony and sappy finish of impeccable length. It’s a wine of very distinct personality, and while it may polarize, I reckon it’s superb. It’s kind of like a whole bunch Pinot Noir in its delivery. Drink 2024-2033+. 95+ Points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
