• 2024 Aphelion Hickinbotham Vineyard Grenache
• 2024 Aphelion Wait Vineyard Grenache
• 2024 Aphelion Brini Vineyard Grenache

2024 Aphelion Hickinbotham Vineyard Grenache

This is the highest and coolest of Rob Macks single-vineyard Grenaches, sourced from the upper blocks of the Hickinbotham Vineyard in Clarendon. The southerly aspect and long hang time mean the fruit ripens slowly and evenly, giving the wine its signature freshness and drive – a total contrast to the riper, darker styles you often see from the Vale.

As with all of Robs single-site wines, its hand-picked, 100% whole bunch fermented, and matured in large old French oak. No tricks, no heavy oak, just clean, expressive fruit and a winemaker who knows his way around Grenache as good as anyone.

The nose is captivating – a mix of red cherry, cranberry, sandalwood, and spice, with some lovely faint florals too. The palate is powerful yet beautifully detailed: fine-boned, savoury and long, with gentle tannins that stretch out long through the finish.

A showstopping Grenache from this special vineyard and producer!

97 points
“Its a wine that makes me want to linger over the nose, so captivating is the fragrance. But its equally good on the palate, trailing long, the flavour fanning out expansively. Superb.”
– Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

96 points
“I lost an hour or so today because I was sitting and marvelling at this wine and wondering how the hell I could do it justice in words.”
– Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

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2024 Aphelion Wait Vineyard Grenache

Weve always thought of the Wait Vineyard as the most structural of Rob Macks trio of single-vineyard Grenaches. Its from the same pocket of Blewitt Springs as the Brini site, but the fruit here has more structure and depth – darker, earthier, and more savoury.

Hand-picked, 100% whole bunch fermented, and matured in large neutral oak, this wine is all about texture and restraint. Theres no fancy oak polish or artifice – just layers of dark cherry, turned earth, and that slightly saline edge thats so distinct to the site. The tannins are firm and persistent, carrying the savoury flavours right through the finish.

Its built for the table – something you can put next to a rich ragu or roast lamb. If youre patient, itll only get better over the next decade – a stunner!

96 points
“notes of Campari and blood orange, raspberry seed and poached rhubarb. On the palate, this wine really shines, and it shows the power and succulence of the 2024 season… This is a small producer to watch out for.”
– Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate)

96 points
” Its brooding in a way, but also refined. Amaro herbs, preserved sour cherry, white pepper, a bastourma-like cured meat note, lingonberry, goji, dusky rose and a crackle of spice… Excellent.“
– Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

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2024 Aphelion Brini Vineyard Grenache

Rob Mack is on a roll, and this Grenache Mataro blend is further proof. His delicate, finely tuned expressions of Rhne varieties from McLaren Vale are turning heads for all the right reasons.

Here, he nails the balance between fruit weight, freshness, and finesse, letting Grenache bring brightness and perfume while Mataro adds depth and savoury spice. The cool 2021 vintage only heightens the vibrancy, resulting in a beautifully poised, modern take on this classic blend – pure McLaren Vale through and through.

Every element is in perfect harmony, showcasing Robs skill both in the winery and at the blending bench. For those chasing sleek, contemporary reds from SA, this is an absolute steal.

95 points
“Tart raspberry and balsamic-macerated strawberries, umeboshi, iron, pepper, celery salt and camphor. There are floral notes present, if a little restrained, a little compressed. Give it a year or so and it will soar.“
– Marcus Ellis (Halliday Wine Companion)

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