Three intriguing wines that explore the power of terroir within tiny, discrete micro-parcels of a single vineyard. Paired with the ability of Grenache to clearly express those differences.

Not only can McLaren Vale Grenache evoke sense of place of a whole vineyard, it can also highlight with great clarity the difference that mere metres can make within a vineyard - at a sub-vineyard, micro-plot level.

The extremely limited production Hickinbotham Series is from a triangle of three very small Grenache blocks at one of the highest elevation points of the whole Hickinbotham of Clarendon vineyard.

All picked the same day.

All made the same way.

Strikingly different, yet with the same exquisite core of balance.

The climate, sunshine, rain, geology, soil, topography and the soil–water relations even as close as just meters apart are clearly discernible in these wines.

A special pack with all three Aphelion Hickinbotham Series Grenache Wines:

• 1 x Aphelion Hickinbotham Series Block 111 Grenache 2024 ;
• 1 x Aphelion Hickinbotham Series Block 112 Grenache 2024 ;
• 1 x Aphelion Hickinbotham Series Block 113 Grenache 2024.

 

Available as a 3 Pack, a 6 Pack, or a 12 Bottle Case.

Extremely limited production. Just 360 bottles of each wine.

 

Fill your glass with this thought and conversation provoking trio. 

They'll impress taking pride of place on your table.

Why not gather some friends and open one of each?

#shopsmall

 

About Aphelion Hickinbotham Series Block 111 Grenache 2024

111 is the smallest block located at the top of the triangle. The highest altitude wine in the series at 245m to 250m ASL, it showcases finesse and great elegance. 

Tasting Note: Crunchy red berry fruit flavours are carried by juicy and crisp acidity. A light to medium body with a lovely purity. The fruit dances along the palate followed by the fine tannins which spread out to provide significant length of flavour.

Click For Tasting Note of Block 111.

 

About Aphelion Hickinbotham Series Block 112 Grenache 2024.

112 a larger contour of the triangle, around twice the size of Block 111. The second highest altitude wine in the series at 240m to 245m ASL, it showcases spice, texture and structure. 

Tasting Note: Cinnamon and nutmeg spices float from the glass with red berry fruit in support. Tannins are moderate with a cat’s tongue texture and provide a good framework for the flavours through the palate. Acidity is slightly lower than the Block 111 wine which results in a rounder mouthfeel. Flavours linger long on the palate thanks to the good concentration and density of fruit.

Click For Tasting Note of Block 112.

 

 

About Aphelion Hickinbotham Series Block 113 Grenache 2024.

113 hugs the base contour of the triangle and is slightly larger in area than 111 + 112 combined. The lowest highest altitude wine in the series, at 235m to 240m ASL, this wine showcases dark fruit, structure and vibrancy.

Tasting Note: The fruit moves into the blue and black spectrum and the body of the wine is medium – the fullest of the trio. Tannins are dense and well-rounded and carry the blackberry and plum fruit long through the palate. Fresh acidity keeps the wine vibrant and light on its feet, but this is undoubtedly the most hedonistic of the three block wines.

Click For Tasting Note of Block 113.

 

More Information About the Hickinbotham Series

Detailed information about the vineyard, the Blocks, winemaking and resulting wines can be found on the Aphelion blog by clicking here. 

 

 

Psst...Like the sound of exclusive wines? Fancy having set-and-forget wine shipments to your door? How about discount Members pricing (10% OFF!) plus perks like free shipping? Step right this way...

Say Cheers to someone who deserves it this Festive season with our Aphelion Christmas Cheers Wine 3 Pack.

Perfect for a gift and full of best sellers.

#shopsmall

 

A special Christmas gift pack with three very special Aphelion Wines:

• 1 x Welkin Falanghina 2025;
• 1 x Welkin Rosè 2022;
• 1 x Aphelion 'Brini' Single Site Grenache 2023.

 

Note: Wines in picture are different to what you will receive.

 

With every pack, receive these free bonuses:

• 🍷Give the gift of Aphelion wine 
• 🎄 Support small business
• 🎅 Free bag Taronga Dark Chocolate Almonds
• 🎁 Free festive packaging
• 💌 Free handwritten card for your recipient

 

 

Last orders by : 

Perth / Hobart / Darwin : 11 December

Sydney / Melbourne/ Brisbane / ACT: Thurs 18 December

Adelaide / SA: Sunday 21st Dec

 

Free pickup from our McLaren Vale cellar door is available up until 5pm Christmas Eve, for all of your last minute gifting needs. 

 

 

About the Wines:

Welkin by Aphelion Falanghina 2025 RRP $28: Introducing, Fiano's more elegant sister. Also from Campania, you can expect from juicy vibrancy with layers of ripe citrus fruit and tropical notes from this new-to-McLaren Vale variety. I pick up a hint of banana blossom on the nose! Perfectly suited to our climate, brilliant with seafood, bright herbs, or spice. 

Welkin by Aphelion Rose 2022 RRP $28: Elegant. Dry. Spiced. A beautiful salmon-orange colour. Aromatics of fresh flowers and just ripe strawberries jump out of the glass. Blood orange, grapefruit and cranberry characters mingle on to the palate with fresh
acidity keeping the wine lively and vibrant. A tickle of tannin adds our signature savoury edge and provides good palate length. At home on the back deck, at the beach, or at your favourite BYO Vietnamese, Thai or Seafood eatery. Ned Goodwin wrote for the Halliday Wine Companion "It would be hard to find a better rosé than this."

'Brini' Single Site Grenache 2023 RRP $90: Listed as #77 on James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of 2025. From the acclaimed Brini family vineyard in Blewitt Springs. Lauded for it's bright aromatics, the whole-bunch winemaking technique results in a wine of depth, with fine tannin and length. Try with anything mushrooms - stroganoff, bourguignon, pate.