2023 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache

Highly Rated
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
10 Reviews

Price:
Sale price$35.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship, only 1 unit left
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Description

The Aphelion The Confluence Grenache is a brilliant showcase of Rob Mack's mastery of McLaren Vale Grenache. Sourced predominantly from the prestigious Blewitt Springs subregion, this vibrant and expressive wine seamlessly blends whole berry and whole bunch ferments to create a Grenache that is complex yet fantastically drinkable.

In the glass, it’s a stunning, bright red with purple hues. Aromatics of raspberry, cinnamon spice, and red liquorice leap out, with a hint of herbal intrigue. On the palate, you’ll find wild strawberry, Satsuma plum, and fine sandalwood, balanced by soft, fine tannins that give the wine a beautiful length and poise. Despite its intensity, the Confluence remains light on its feet—packed with flavour but never heavy.

Perfect for drinking now but capable of evolving through to 2035, this is a wine that works equally well on its own or paired with food. Whether you’re enjoying a casual evening on the deck or indulging in a special meal, the 2023 Confluence Grenache is a versatile, crowd-pleasing bottle that reflects the best, brightest side of of McLaren Vale Grenache.

95 points
"This is all charm, but with a distinctly sophisticated elegance of delivery, with all the expected pops of red fruit – raspberry, red cherry, redcurrant, some pomegranate – conveyed with vibrancy but never confection, florals, white pepper, musk and a hint of orange peel accenting. The tannins are fine, naturally wrought, food friendly and perfectly synched with the medium fruit weight. Just lovely."
- Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

94 points
"Strawberry, raspberry, a fair amount of spice, a little twist of orange peel and amaro herbs too. It’s medium-bodied, offers bright cranberry crunch to acidity, and the quality of the tannin is something of a highlight – kind of like pumice stone – then it’s all juicy red fruit with a cinch of bitterness and a savoury flourish closing out a finish of fine length. It’s really good. It has energy, and it drinks very well too."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

The Aphelion Confluence 2023 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 that works as beautifully with food as it does being savoured on its' own.

Meet the Confluence

Variety: Grenache from Blewitt Springs sub region of McLaren Vale.

Summary: This complex, aromatic, food friendly, but fantastically drinkable wine evolves in your glass. Good structure and length. Carries our signature savoury finish.

Tasting Note: 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.

Goes With Food: Pan seared duck matches the spice and body of the wine well.

Goes With Cheese: The mushroom characters of a quality Camembert or washed rind cheese will complement the wine’s flavours and won’t dominate its delicate structure.

Goes With Music: Nick Cave – Jubilee Street

Goes With Life: Out for a fancy dinner or aperitivo on the back deck.

Serve At: 18 degrees Celsius.

When to Drink: Ready to drink now, but will continue evolving through to 2035.

95 points - "Blewitt Springs fruit off 85-year-old bush vines, fermented with 30% whole bunches, some extended skin contact, raised in puncheons, demi-muids and a 2,400-litre cask. This is all charm, but with a distinctly sophisticated elegance of delivery, with all the expected pops of red fruit – raspberry, red cherry, redcurrant, some pomegranate – conveyed with vibrancy but never confection, florals, white pepper, musk and a hint of orange peel accenting. The tannins are fine, naturally wrought, food friendly and perfectly synched with the medium fruit weight. Just lovely." - Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

94 points - "Strawberry, raspberry, a fair amount of spice, a little twist of orange peel and amaro herbs too. It’s medium-bodied, offers bright cranberry crunch to acidity, and the quality of the tannin is something of a highlight – kind of like pumice stone – then it’s all juicy red fruit with a cinch of bitterness and a savoury flourish closing out a finish of fine length. It’s really good. It has energy, and it drinks very well too." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

Customer Reviews

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 10 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 9 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
10 reviews
  • JM
    Jo M.
    Verified Buyer
    3 weeks ago
    2022 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache
    Reviewing
    2022 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Beautiful and elegant

    Very easy to drink. One I always bring out when I have guests and it never fails to impress!

  • MB
    Matthieu B.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    1 year ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2022 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache
    Reviewing
    2022 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Very nice Grenache

    Excellent - superb long lasting taste

  • RC
    Robert C.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    1 year ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2022 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache
    Reviewing
    2022 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache
    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.

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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