2022 Aphelion Hickinbotham Grenache

Fragrant, refined, and full of life — a single-vineyard masterpiece from Aphelion

96 points Halliday Wine Companion | 95 points The Real Review

Single-Vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache | Purity, Perfume & Precision

“An exquisite single-vineyard Grenache that marries perfume, poise, and power — a masterclass in modern McLaren Vale elegance.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Brilliant ruby-red with vibrant crimson highlights — radiant and enticing.
Aroma: Pure and perfumed, bursting with red cherry, wild strawberry, and raspberry coulis. Hints of rose petal, blood orange, and gentle spice add alluring complexity.
Palate: Medium-bodied and finely structured with silky tannins and bright acidity. Layers of red fruit glide effortlessly across the palate with notes of crushed herbs, white pepper, and subtle savoury earth.
Finish: Long, graceful, and impeccably balanced — combining fruit purity with quiet power and stunning length.

Critical Acclaim

• 96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion
  “A beautifully detailed Grenache of finesse and fragrance. Transparent, silky, and pure with red fruit delicacy and fine-boned structure — outstanding.”

• 95 Points – The Real Review
  “Bright, floral, and poised with vibrant fruit, texture, and precision. A wine of balance and grace that showcases the brilliance of McLaren Vale Grenache.”

Vineyard & Winemaking

Sourced exclusively from the historic Hickinbotham Vineyard in McLaren Vale, where ancient sandy soils and maritime breezes create Grenache of perfume and elegance.

Winemaker Rob Mack crafts this wine with a minimalist approach:

• Hand-picked fruit

• Wild yeast fermentation with 25% whole bunch inclusion

• Gentle extraction to preserve delicacy

• Maturation in seasoned French oak puncheons for 10 months

No fining, minimal filtration — every choice designed to let the vineyard’s unique character shine.

Region

McLaren Vale, South Australia — the spiritual home of modern Australian Grenache.
Hickinbotham’s elevated position and sandy soils deliver wines of lift, perfume, and subtle structure, offering grace over brute power.

Food Pairings

• Roast duck with cherry and star anise

• Grilled lamb with rosemary and olive oil

• Porcini mushroom risotto

• Slow-roasted pork shoulder

• Aged cheddar or soft-rind cheeses

Why We Love It

The 2022 Aphelion ‘Hickinbotham’ Grenache is a breathtaking single-vineyard wine — shimmering with red fruit purity, framed by fine tannins, and finished with lingering spice and mineral elegance.

It’s Grenache in perfect balance: expressive yet refined, vibrant yet structured, approachable now yet capable of graceful aging.

With 96 points from Halliday and 95 from The Real Review, it stands among the finest examples of McLaren Vale’s Grenache renaissance — a wine that defines modern Australian craftsmanship.

Elegant. Fragrant. Profoundly Beautiful.
The 2022 Aphelion ‘Hickinbotham’ Grenache is a single-vineyard triumph — graceful, pure, and utterly captivating.