Aphelion Affinity GSM 2019 McLaren Vale

Grenache / Garnacha 40%; Mataro / Mourvèdre 35%; ​Shiraz / Syrah 25%.

The grenache grapes were grown on 4 parcels of vineyard in Blewitt Springs; the mataro and shiraz are grown in McLaren Vale, with the mataro sourced from 3 parcels and the shiraz 2.

Each variety was fermented separately, using natural yeasts and a range of techniques. A portion of the grenache was added as whole bunches and some of the vats had 3 month maceration. The mataro also included some whole bunch fruit, with some of the fruit having a 4 day cold soak before fermentation and some of the vats the extended 3 month maceration. The shiraz fruit from the 2 vineyards was picked and processed separately. The fruit from the higher vineyard was picked first. The fruit in the other vineyard was picked later and macerated for 1 month.

The wine was matured for 9 months in used French oak casks and bottle without fining or filtration.

Rob and Lou Mack established Aphelion wine in 2014. They refer to their wines as "bottled sunshine" and produce small batch wines that highlight the characteristics of the grapes and their growing environment. In 2017 they won "Best New Act" in the Australian Young Gun of Wine awards  and in 2019 were named as McLaren Vale's best small producer.