"A delight"- Marcus Ellis The family-owned Aphelion winery has established itself as one of the star wine producers of South Australia's McLaren Vale region. With a sharp focus on Grenache, Aphelion produce an impressive array of examples across several ranges. The Welkin Grenache is part of Aphelion's special range of vibrant, early release wines that are ready to be enjoyed while still delivering plenty of personality and complexity. The 2024 Aphelion Welkin Grenache opens with vibrant aromas of redcurrant and cinnamon that follow through on to the palate with fresh acidity keeping the wine lively and vibrant. A small percentage of whole bunch fermentation in the wine adds a savoury element and herbal notes. A lighter, fresh style Grenache from Aphelion that has enormous appeal particularly during the warmer months. "Half from Blewitt Springs (80-year-old vines) and half further south; 20% whole bunch, with 10 months in seasoned oak. As always, a clear bottle and a pale hue, speaking to application perhaps. And yes, immediacy seems the remit, the wine bright and forward, but thoughtfully so. It's spicy and zippy, sans confection, filigreed in texture, with a sour-fruited, rhubarb-laced tension adding complexity, a graphite mineral note elevating further. This fits the - sometimes tiresome - warm-climate pinot noir comparison, but it also shouts grenache, the arriviste that we should all be paying more attention to. A delight. 93 Points. Drink: 2025 - 2030. 13.5% alc. Screwcap"- Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion. "It’s packaged in a clear bottle which gives an idea of style. Red fruit, spice, distinct floral perfume, some spicy sausage and light smokiness. It’s light in body, quite frisky, red fruits and dried herb, some orange peel, a positive gentle pumice stone grip to tannin, with a bright and tangy finish of good length. Nice. Easy to drink, but also has a fair bit of complexity. All the nouveau/joven things here, and done very well too. 92 Points. Tasted: Jun25 13.5% alc. $28 Screwcap Drink: 2025 - 2028"- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
