Aphelion The Emergent McLaren Vale Mourvedre 2020 - 6 Bottles

Winery Background
Aphelion, the celebrated boutique winery of Rob and Louise Mack, has built its reputation on crafting small-batch, terroir-driven wines from McLaren Vale. Their focus is on purity, restraint, and showcasing the character of individual varieties. The Emergent is a rare, single-varietal Mourvèdre, shining a spotlight on one of the region’s most distinctive but underappreciated grapes.

Vineyards & Vintage Conditions
The fruit was sourced from old vines in Blewitt Springs, a subregion prized for its sandy soils and elevated sites. Mourvèdre thrives here, developing savoury complexity while retaining freshness. The 2020 vintage in McLaren Vale was low-yielding but produced highly concentrated berries with remarkable intensity and balance.

Winemaking
Hand-harvested grapes were fermented with a portion of whole bunches to lift aromatics and enhance structure. Gentle extraction ensured fine tannins, while maturation in seasoned French oak puncheons preserved varietal purity and savoury character. Minimal intervention winemaking allowed the fruit to fully express its site.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep ruby red with purple hues.

• Nose: Wild blackberry, blueberry, and plum notes supported by earthy spice, leather, and dried herbs.

• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, with dark fruit flavours layered with savoury game, pepper, and mineral undertones. Firm yet refined tannins carry through to a long, persistent finish.

Food Pairing
Superb with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, venison, charcuterie, or hearty Mediterranean stews.

Why It Stands Out
Mourvèdre is rarely bottled as a standalone varietal in Australia, making The Emergent a unique expression of McLaren Vale’s diversity. It captures both power and finesse, appealing to adventurous wine lovers and collectors alike.

Cellaring Potential
Enjoy now for its vibrancy or cellar confidently until 2032 to unlock deeper savoury complexity.