2022 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache

A beautiful McLaren Vale Grenache from 85 year old vines, with some spicy whole-bunch, and layers of soft fruit.
4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
9 Reviews

Price:
Sale price$38.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship

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Description

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 a single vineyard in the Blewitt Springs subregion, 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 whole berry and whole bunch into one seamless wine.

94+ points
"This is a superstar producer in the Grenache space. At $38 AUD, this is a compelling wine. Exciting!"
- Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate)

The Confluence Grenache is a key flagstone wine for us. It's been with us from the very beginning. We are Grenache specialists and our Confluence is a perfect example of complex, delicious wine.

Vibrant red with purple hues in the glass. Raspberry, cinnamon spice, and red liquorice aromatics jump from the glass and an herbal edge gives great interest. On the palate Satsuma plum, wild strawberry and fine sandalwood dominate with fine tannins giving the wine exemplary length. The palate shows great intensity and concentration without being heavy or cloying. A wine that shows great poise and balance.

94+ points - "I taste this wine with gladness in my heart after the beauty of the other Aphelion Grenaches from this 2022 vintage, but I taste it with the expectation that it cannot possibly best the magnificent 2022 Wait Single Vineyard Grenache. I am right. However, at a fraction of the price, this is a very impressive proposition indeed. So, the 2022 Confluence Grenache is sourced from an 85-year-old bush vine vineyard in Blewitt Springs, with 30% whole bunches in the ferment. Matured in a variety of larger-format seasoned French oak, this is sensational. It has notes of strawberry, raspberry, star anise, tobacco, fennel, graphite and rose petals. This is a superstar producer in the Grenache space. At $38 AUD, this is a compelling wine. Exciting! 13.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." - Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate)

94 Points - "Raspberry, plum, an ozone and coal dust thing here (don’t mind me), aniseed and dried flowers. Fresh, fine dusty tannin, orange zest, juicy cherry and exotic spice. I like the slightly peppery aspects too, and the finish is firm and long. Very good." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

93 Points - "Octogenarian Blewitt Springs bush vines. Fermented wild, replete with 30% whole bunches. Maturation in larger neutral French oak of various formats. Pinosité in spades, with a shimmer of cranberry, persimmon, fecund strawberry and kirsch. From the first whiff to the long jittery linger, such is the wine's intensity of flavour, crunch and tannic sinew. Picked on the earlier side, verging on marginal. Pulled off with aplomb." - Ned Goodwin MW (Halliday Wine Companion)

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 9 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 8 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
9 reviews
  • MB
    Matthieu B.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    10 seconds ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Very nice Grenache

    Excellent - superb long lasting taste

    TasteRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Interest LevelRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Value for MoneyRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
  • RC
    Robert C.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 months ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Entry level Aphelion Grenache

    An enjoyable wine but did not live up to the expectations generated by the absolutely delicious 2021 vintage.

    TasteRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Interest LevelRated 3.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Value for MoneyRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
  • CM
    Chrissie M.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    7 months ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great

    Very tasty drop

    TasteRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Interest LevelRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Value for MoneyRated 3.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
  • RC
    Robert C.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    10 months ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Delicious Grenache

    Purchased after watching an Erin Larkin 5minute u-tube tasting of 5 McLaren Vale grenache releases.

    This was the starter at $35.

    Provided for a Wollongong Epicure Club Dinner & served with a duck course.

    Universally enjoyed as an alternative to Pinot Noir & as described by Erin " Simply Delicious".

    I will be drinking more of this wine!

    TasteRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Interest LevelRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Value for MoneyRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
  • PV
    Paul V.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    1 year ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    A serious and lovely drop

    Perfumed, spicy, firm tannins and brilliant balance!

    TasteRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Interest LevelRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Value for MoneyRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
Reviews LoadedReviews Added

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 is 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, more often than not there's something exciting and great value in the bottle.

Winemaker Rob Mack Aphelion

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