2024 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc

Rob Mack tackles Chenin Blanc! A really delicious textural white from McLaren Vale.
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
2 Reviews

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Sale price$34.00
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Description

The 2024 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc is a fresh look at McLaren Vale's whites, crafted by Rob Mack to showcase Chenin Blanc’s thrilling versatility.

McLaren Vale may be a warm spot, but Chenin thrives here, holding its natural acidity while soaking up the region’s generous sun. Rob and his partner Louise Rhodes are celebrated for their meticulous approach to McLaren Vale Grenache, but this Chenin Blanc proves their talent doesn’t stop at reds.

Grapes for this wine are sourced from Blewitt Springs, one of the coolest spots in the Vale, where early picking ensures that racy freshness remains intact. With partial fermentation in oak and time on lees, Rob’s deft winemaking gives this wine its distinctive creamy mouthfeel and layered texture. This is Chenin Blanc with a real sense of weight, though it’s balanced by an elegant, mineral-driven finish.

Expect a stunning array of ripe stone fruits - think white peach and red apple - complemented by flinty notes and a hint of cinnamon spice. The creamy texture glides across the palate, and a touch of French oak adds depth without overpowering the wine’s inherent brightness. 

Vegan-friendly, complex, and perfectly versatile, the 2024 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc is drinking beautifully now but has the structure to develop through to 2030. A rare gem in the Vale’s white wine line-up, it's well worth exploring.

93+ points - "From 50-year-old vines in a single vineyard in Blewitt Springs.

A body of flavour, a good deal of texture, some grip and lots of length. McLaren Vale is turning out some excellent chenin blanc. The nose is pretty in a tutti-fruity way but the palate is more serious, with lemongrass and nashi pear, green apple and rose-like characters, and even a half step in the direction of red licorice and blackcurrant bud. There’s a minerally, steely, smoky aspect to the aftertaste as well. This is very good. Score-wise I could be talked higher but not lower." - Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

Customer Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 2 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 2 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
2 reviews
  • NC
    Nigel C.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2022 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc
    Reviewing
    2022 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Gorgeous Wine

    Beautiful example of McLaren Vale Chenin, went down way to easily.

  • GS
    Gavin S.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2022 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc
    Reviewing
    2022 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Cracker!

    Have bought (and drunk) multiple bottles of this wine. It's easy drinking with enough going on to make it interesting too!

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Overview
This Chenin Blanc from the Blewitt Springs district of McLaren Vale showcases a perfect harmony of fresh acidity and texture, thanks to fermentation in both oak and tank. Ripe stone fruit flavors flow effortlessly across the palate.

Tasting Notes
Aromas of white peach, red apple, and flint combine with a hint of cinnamon for added complexity. The palate offers a rich, textural experience with great depth of flavor. Time on ferment lees lends a creamy character, while French oak adds a subtle astringency to the finish. Crisp acidity cleans the finish and provides excellent length.

Food Pairing

With Food: Pairs beautifully with a rich baked salmon and green herb sauce, enhancing the wine’s round palate.
With Cheese: A triple cream Camembert complements the wine’s body and flinty aspects.
With Music: Future Islands – Seasons (Waiting On You)
With Life: Ideal as the final white wine before transitioning to reds, yet versatile enough for various occasions.
Additional Details

Serve At: 10-12°C
Vegan
Drinking Window: Ready now, with potential to evolve through 2030

Price Bracket $31 to $40
Type White
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Chenin Blanc
Country Australia
Region McLaren Vale
Australian State SA
Reviewed By The Wine Front
Critic Score 93
Alcohol 13%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2024
Closure Screw Cap

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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