2023 Aphelion The Confluence Grenache

Fragrant, silky, and beautifully detailed — modern McLaren Vale Grenache perfection

95 points Halliday Wine Companion | 94 points The Wine Front

Premium McLaren Vale Grenache | Elegance, Energy & Finesse

“A beautifully detailed Grenache that captures the essence of McLaren Vale — fragrant, silky, and full of life.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Bright ruby with crimson edges — vibrant and translucent.
Aroma: A lifted bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry, and cherry compote unfolds with hints of rose petal, blood orange, and white pepper spice.
Palate: Medium-bodied with a core of pure red fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins. Elegant spice, herbal nuance, and subtle oak weave through the mid-palate, creating both freshness and depth.
Finish: Long, fine, and savoury — beautifully balanced with lingering red fruit and spice.

Critical Acclaim

• 95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion
  “Fragrant and graceful with gorgeous red fruit purity, soft tannins, and natural energy. A benchmark for contemporary McLaren Vale Grenache.”

• 94 Points – The Wine Front
  “Silky and vibrant with layers of red fruit and spice. Finely detailed, energetic, and effortlessly drinkable.”

Vineyard & Winemaking

‘The Confluence’ brings together select parcels of McLaren Vale Grenache, each contributing distinct texture and perfume.
Winemaker Rob Mack employs a light-touch, minimal-intervention approach — wild fermentation, gentle hand-plunging, and maturation in old French oak to preserve purity and elegance.

The result is a wine that reflects both vineyard character and winemaking restraint — balancing generosity with precision, fruit with finesse.

Region

McLaren Vale, South Australia — one of the country’s most exciting regions for modern Grenache.
Warm Mediterranean days and cooling sea breezes create the perfect environment for Grenache with lifted aromatics, freshness, and natural vibrancy.

Food Pairings

• Chargrilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic

• Duck breast with cherry glaze

• Mushroom risotto with truffle oil

• Mediterranean-style grilled vegetables

• Soft cheeses or cured meats

Why We Love It

The 2023 Aphelion ‘The Confluence’ Grenache is a pure expression of the modern McLaren Vale movement — bright, elegant, and perfectly balanced.
It delivers beautiful clarity of fruit, subtle spice, and seamless structure that make it both approachable now and age-worthy for years.

Aphelion continues to set the standard for contemporary Australian Grenache — wines defined by finesse, purity, and precision.

Elegant. Fragrant. Unmistakably McLaren Vale.
The 2023 Aphelion ‘The Confluence’ Grenache is a stunning showcase of balance and brightness — Grenache with soul, energy, and grace.