2019 Aphelion Confluence Grenache

Sourced from 85 year old bush vines in Blewitt Springs with 20% of the wine under going whole bunch fermentation. Deep dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Spicy red to dark raspberry, ripe cherry and red liquorice fruits show excellent lift out of the glass with subtle earth and peppered herb notes ensuing. Succulent dark raspberry and ripe cherry flavours display terrific richness over notions of liquorice, subtle infusions of dried herbs and lightly scorched earth. Slippery and lush in its feel with silky smooth tannins. Nicely balanced juicy acidity lending freshness to the long sumptuous aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.8%

Other Reviews….
This is just ripe enough, noting the tendency in these parts to pick earlier to retain freshness. The problem, of course, is that this approach results in green tannins and a firm pucker across the finish. This has none of that, partly due to a majority whole-berry ferment, old vines and a judicious seasoning (30%) of whole-bunch for herbal complexity and tannic build. Yet the overall impression is one of imminent drinkability. Slurpy, even. A compote of red berry notes, bitter orange and cranberry. The finish long and juicy, with a granular sandy edginess. A delicious wine. Drink by 2025.
95 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion