Aphelion @ Corkscore

2024 Aphelion Hickinbotham Block 112 Clarendon Grenache Noir

2025-08-15T14:45:07Z

95 points - Medium to light purple. Very aromatic, blood orange and florals. Soft, bright and yielding, pure and singing in its clarity. A beautiful red wine that is a lens to its terroir.

Tasted on Sat, Aug 16, 2025.

2018 Aphelion The Verdant Grenache

2024-09-21T00:12:03Z

95 points - Savoury, minerally, blackberry jam nose, reminiscent of bitumen and mint, complex and intriguing. Powerful, rich style that has had the benefit of ageing. Initially showing a “dark” slant, bitterness and phenolic form belying its 100% whole bunch ferment. After opening and with food, the power is firmly controlled by tannins, the shape on the palate taut. Excellent.

Tasted on Fri, Sep 20, 2024.

2018 Aphelion The Verdant Grenache

2024-09-20T13:49:36Z

95 points - Medium dark red some purple. Nose of iron with raspberries. Palate shows iron, dry thyme and raspberries. Superbly aged. Just starting to get into the zone. Has another decade to run.

Tasted on Fri, Sep 20, 2024.

2021 Aphelion Trenerry Single Vineyard Grenache

2024-07-12T09:19:27Z

86 points - This is a very ordinary wine and nowhere near the standards usually met by this winemaker. Boring and not very engaging to drink - lacking elegance and finesse.

Tasted on Fri, Jul 12, 2024.

2018 Aphelion The Verdant Grenache

2023-12-13T10:23:36Z

94 points - Medium purple red, some lightness from age coming through. Nose is hard to describe, some plummy characters, some spicy, charcuterie notes too. Dense, yet measured tannins, now quite tailored, there is power here but also elegance and restraint. Good presence, the age softening the flavours.

Tasted on Wed, Dec 13, 2023.

2018 Aphelion The Verdant Grenache

2023-12-13T10:24:29Z

92 points - Dark medium red purple. Berry nose. Smooth raspberry palate. Dark undertone. Smooth drinking.

Tasted on Wed, Dec 13, 2023.

2021 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc

2022-03-24T09:35:29Z

95 points - Pale green yellow. Mineral nose with a bit of apple. Let it sit for a while, warm up and air. Palate is zingy and intensely spiked with chalk, minerals and apple. Spicy finish. Excellent balance.

Tasted on Thu, Mar 24, 2022.

2021 Aphelion Pir Chenin Blanc

2022-03-25T13:34:55Z

93 points - Light gold. Some reductive characters on the nose, lemon pith tones. Good concentration and depth of flavour. Nice phenolic grip, gentle and measured. Lengthy. Smart!

Tasted on Thu, Mar 24, 2022.

2021 Aphelion Callow Grenache Blanc

2022-03-18T07:56:51Z

94 points - Pale gold. Wheat, oatmeal like characters on the nose. Very good balance, nuance and poise on the palate, creamily textured with a well judged touch of phenolic character. Good flavour and concentration too.

Tasted on Thu, Mar 17, 2022.

2021 Aphelion Callow Grenache Blanc

2022-03-17T10:24:34Z

92 points - Pale grey. Nose is mealy with faint blossoms. Palate follows with savoury, nutty aromas and a fresh, fine acidity and minerality at the finish keeping it fresh. What can be a flabby wine, is kept well in check with well judged ripeness and acid balance. Lovely combo with grilled octopus.

Tasted on Thu, Mar 17, 2022.