Aphelion Affinity Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2021 from McLaren Vale is a flagship southern Rhône‑style blend that shows how good this region can be for savoury, medium‑to‑full‑bodied reds with polish and poise. This 2021 Affinity GMS was born from a superb, long, even growing season that delivered beautifully balanced fruit.

In the glass it sits vibrant ruby to purple, with lifted aromas of red cherry, raspberry and plum layered over vanilla pod, aniseed, exotic spice, dried herbs and a gentle earthy undercurrent. Grenache brings perfumed red berries, Mourvèdre adds savoury, meaty depth and spice, while Shiraz fills out the mid‑palate with darker fruit and structure. The palate is medium‑plus in body, generous yet not heavy, with juicy red fruits, alpine herbs, cedar and fine, powdery tannins drawing the wine long and dry on the finish.

Aphelion Affinity Grenache Mourvèdre Shiraz 2021 is an excellent match for roast lamb with rosemary, grilled beef, hearty beef or lamb ragu, charcuterie, hard cheddar and aged Gouda where its savoury complexity really shines. It is equally at home with slow‑cooked Mediterranean casseroles or wood‑fired pizza topped with cured meats, and has the structure to reward a few more years in the cellar if you prefer your blends with a bit of bottle‑aged harmony.