2018 Aphelion The Ardent Sagrantino

Central Italy meets McLaren Vale, in this sensationally aromatic, uber-concentrated Sagrantino.
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review

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Description

Herbal, spicy, deeply-fruited red from McLaren Vale, a bit richer and bolder than some of the other red releases from Aphelion.

Only a small production of around 100 dozen, sourced from two small plots at either end of the Vale, destemmed and aged in old French oak for 20 months.

Rare in Australia, bold and aromatic, Sagrantino stole our hearts when we discovered it in Umbria, the green heart of Italy. Sourced from two sub-regions in McLaren Vale – White’s Valley in the south and Seaview in the north.

Strong herbal and mezcal notes match with red fruits and roasted meats. This is a light to medium bodied wine with a slightly firmer tannin structure than its siblings. The palate is dense with flavour impact yet light on its feet and finishes well balanced. Smoky charcuterie and earth herbs mingle on the finish. Outrageously spice driven with clove, cinnamon and five spice all coming to the fore on the nose. A savoury Italianate palate supports a tight structure and a dry palate to provide a very food friendly wine. Tannins are prominent but in balance.

Region: McLaren Vale, SA
Blend: Sagrantino (100%)
ABV:
Closure: 750ml
Bottle Size:
Production:

93 Points - "The wine formally known as ‘The Ardent’ now just ‘Ardent’. Does that change make this wine more or less ardent? It seems all the new Aphelion wines are no longer ‘The’ wines. Meanwhile, off that relative triviality. Deep, moody wine from 2018, perhaps a little skittish and less composed than the 2017 version, but only just.

That perfume is something else. So fragrant, pretty, floral with lavender, violets and similar, shows fruit character like salted plum and booze-soaked cherries. The palate is lively, thick though, rich in that tang of salted plum, concentrated but lifted on sharp acidity and broad, gum-sticking tannin swipes. A ferrous and bloody character soaks in too. It’s very ‘sagrantino’ in its way, has a swagger, does big well, feels interesting and good to drink. I like it." - Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)

Customer Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 1 review
Total 5 star reviews: 1 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
1 review
  • NF
    Neil F.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Different Drop Yes

    We all like to try different flavours and this is one that I suggest you try . The group of tasters all found it interesting and worthwhile.

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Aphelion

Aphelion was established by Rob Mack and Louise Rhodes with a clear vision. They had one thing on their mind, to craft: "Genuine, Authentic, Quality McLaren Vale Grenache."

A couple of vintages in and they are right on the money. They have close relationships with local growers in the Vale who provide them with excellent Grenache fruit and Rob's deft touch in the winery takes care of the rest.

The range is slowly growing, as is their family. Their investigation into their pet variety is deepening, as is their fan base. The small batches of wine that come out of the Aphelion stable should have a close eye kept on them, more often than not there's something exciting and great value in the bottle.

Winemaker Rob Mack Aphelion

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For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.

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