2019 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache
McLaren Vale, SA
The beautiful composite blend from this McLaren Vale Grenache specialist.
$31.00
Out of Stock
About The Wine
Crafting McLaren Vale Grenache is the main game for Rob Mack and Louise Rhodes at Aphelion. It's a game they are very skilled at. Every egg a bird, as they say.
Sourced predominantly from gnarly, 80-year-old bush vines rooted in the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs, this fresh and vital version of Grenache is set decidedly to a "Drink-Me-Now" tempo. It's the composite blend of the three Aphelion Grenaches, combining both the 100% whole berry and 100% whole bunch wines into one seamless wine.
There's tension and beauty in this release, which is to say, it's McLaren Vale Grenache at its most irresistible. The 2019 gave Rob fruit with high toned aromatics and silky texture. It's right on the money as a modern example of McLaren Vale Grenache.
About Aphelion
Aphelion was established by Rob Mack and Louise Rhodes with a clear vision. They had one thing on their mind, to craft: "Genuine, Authentic, Quality McLaren Vale Grenache."
A couple of vintages in and they are right on the money. They have close relationships with local growers in the Vale who provide them with excellent Grenache fruit and Rob's deft touch in the winery takes care of the rest.
The range is slowly growing, as is their family. Their investigation into their pet variety deepening, as is their fan base. The small batches of wine that come out of the Aphelion stable should have a close eye kept on them, most often there's something exciting and great value in the bottle.
Aphelion HQ, McLaren Vale, SA
From The Producer
Vineyard: All hand-picked fruit. 60% grown on 80 year old bush vines in Blewitt Springs, the balance from a separate Blewitt Springs vineyard with 50 year old vines. Both vineyards on sandy soil.
Winemaking: A blend of whole berry (70%) and whole bunch (30%) ferments. Majority free run juice with a small percentage of light pressings. A portion of the wine was left on skins for four months to add spice and depth. Aged in neutral French oak puncheons and foudre for ten months before blending and bottling. Unfined & unfiltered.
Production: 430 dozen produced under screwcap.
Blend : Grenache (100%)
ABV : 13.8%
Closure : Screw Cap
Drink Until : 2027
Production : 430 dozen
McLaren Vale, SA
Critic Reviews
"Crunchy strawberry and Campari aromatics lead to a juicy palate full of ripe cranberries and a herbal edge thanks to the whole bunch component of this wine. A long length of flavour is provided by a beautiful line of acidity and a pure crystalline core of red berry fruit. A rasp of tannin on the finish ensures versatility." - Rob Mack, winemaker
"This is just ripe enough, noting the tendency in these parts to pick earlier to retain freshness. The problem, of course, is that this approach results in green tannins and a firm pucker across the finish. This has none of that, partly due to a majority whole-berry ferment, old vines and a judicious seasoning (30%) of whole-bunch for herbal complexity and tannic build. Yet the overall impression is one of imminent drinkability. Slurpy, even. A compote of red berry notes, bitter orange and cranberry. The finish long and juicy, with a granular sandy edginess. A delicious wine." - Ned Goodwin (Halliday Wine Companion)
Delivery is Free for any order of $99 or more, or just $10 for any orders less than $99. There is no minimum order quantity and you can order in any combination you like. Make your perfect mixed pack!
Estimated Delivery Times for each postcode can be viewed here.
Authority to Leave and other delivery instructions can be left in the ‘SPECIAL REQUESTS’ box during checkout. The 'SPECIAL REQUESTS' box can be found on the here page before the final checkout page.
Warehouse Pickupis available from our Sydney warehouse in Ultimo, 2007. Just select Local Pickup at checkout. We are open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Our Heat Policy can be viewed here. If you would like us to hold dispatch of your order for milder weather please leave instructions to do so in the 'SPECIAL REQUESTS' box found on the cart page before the final checkout. We are happy to hold it for as long as you like. All orders are fully insured so you can buy with full confidence that these tasty beverages will get to you in tip-top shape.
Returns are free for 100 days after purchase. You can view the conditions of our return policy here
For any other shipping related inquiries, please see our helpful FAQ, email us at hello@differentdrop.com or call us on 02 8376 8775..
Do I have to order in dozens? No, please mix it up! You can order wines in any quantity and variation you like. You can order 1 bottle or 50. We challenge you to make the ultimate mixed pack of wine!
Are there volume discounts? No, our pricing is designed to be the best in market already - no marking up and then discounting down! For very large orders (weddings, etc) we are open to negotiating though. Just give us a call.
Do we price match? Yes, within reason. Everyday low & consistent pricing is something we strongly believe in. We want our customers to feel confident they are always getting the best price. If you see a price lower somewhere else let us know and we'll consider matching it. We'll even retrospectively issue you store credit if you have already purchased from us but you see a lower price somewhere later on. Our price match policy can be seen here.
Can coupons and discounts be stacked? No, only one discount or coupon can be applied to an order at once.
I am trying to add more of a wine to my cart but it won’t let me? This means we are running low on stock of that wine. So for example, if the website will only allow you to add 3 bottles and no more, then that is all we have of that particular wine. The good news is we may be able to order more for you. Just contact us on 02 8376 8775 or hello@differentdrop.com and we'll organise the additional quantity for you.
Does Different Drop have a physical store? No. Just an a warehouse/office. We occasionally do events however, so sign up to our newsletter or follow us on instagram to stay in the loop.
Can I special order a wine you do not sell? If it’s doable, then we’ll make it happen. Just contact us directly via phone, chat or email and we’ll find out for you right away. Please note that in most cases special orders such as these will need to be in full case lots (6 or 12 bottles).
More FaQs: here
Sign up for the latest news & special offers
No spam, just the good stuff!