2025 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc

Rob Mack is the king of McLaren Vale Grenache, but this Blewitt Springs Chenin proves he’s just as handy with textural, bone-dry whites.

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Description

Most people know Rob Mack for his Grenache, but his work with Chenin Blanc is pretty damn impressive too. He sources this from Blewitt Springs - one of the cooler, sandier corners of McLaren Vale - which is the secret to getting that perfect ripeness without the wine becoming a total fruit bomb. 

The 'Pir' isn't your average lean, zippy white; it’s got some real presence to it. Rob ferments a portion in oak and leaves it on the lees, which builds in a lovely, creamy texture. You still get those classic Chenin hits of green apple and white peach, but there’s a savoury, flinty edge and a bit of spice that makes it feel much more substantial.

It’s a complete, rounded wine that’s ready to go the moment you crack the screwcap, but will get better with a few years in the cellar, too.

93 points "This wine displays a wonderful balance of fresh acidity and textural interest... Ripe stone fruit characters flow seamlessly across the palate." - Winery Note

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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Neil F.
Lovely Chenin

Rob Mack certainly does great things with Grenache but don’t pass by this Chenin Blanc.

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Nigel C.
Gorgeous Wine

Beautiful example of McLaren Vale Chenin, went down way to easily.

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Gavin S.
Cracker!

Have bought (and drunk) multiple bottles of this wine. It's easy drinking with enough going on to make it interesting too!

This wine displays a wonderful balance of fresh acidity and textural interest from fermentation in both oak and tank. Ripe stone fruit characters flow seamlessly across the palate.

Meet the Pir

Variety: Chenin Blanc from the Blewitt Springs district of McLaren Vale.

Summary: This wine displays a wonderful balance of fresh acidity and textural interest from fermentation in both oak and tank. Ripe stone fruit characters flow seamlessly across the palate.

Tasting Note: White peach, red apple and flint show on the aroma with cinnamon adding complexity. The palate is a textural delight with a great depth of flavour – time on ferment lees has provided an attractive creamy character to the wine. Use of French oak provides a touch of astringency on the finish. A rounded and complete wine, crisp acidity cleans the finish and provides great length.

Goes With Food: A rich baked salmon dish with green herb sauce would complement the palate roundness of this wine.

Goes With Cheese: A triple cream Camembert will match the body of this wine and complement its flinty aspects.

Goes With Music: Future Islands – Seasons (Waiting On You)

Goes With Life: A great way to finish off a flight of white wines before moving on to the reds, but the body of this wine gives it tremendous versatility.

Vegan

Serve At: 10-12 degrees Celsius.

When to Drink: Ready to drink now but will continue evolving through to 2030.

ABV%: 13.2%

Price Bracket $31 to $40
Type White
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Chenin Blanc
Country Australia
Region McLaren Vale
Australian State SA
Alcohol 13%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2025
Closure Screw Cap

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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