Description
Charles Melton “Nine Popes” 2018 Grenache blend from the Barossa
Surely Australia’s greatest Grenache blend – and has been for decades. And certainly one of this country’s greatest red wines of any varietal or blend. Visiting the cellar door when I was a winemaking student in Adelaide in 2003 and tasting the Nine Popes with Charlie Melton is one of those dazzling memories I will never forget. Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre AKA Mataro. 80+ year-old vines.
The stuff of legend.
Critical acclaim for this wine:
“Predominantly a blend ex bush vine grenache and shiraz; matured for 30 months on lees in 70% French / 30% American barriques, 25% new. An Extraordinarily complex bouquet of saddle leather, spice, glace cherry and plum, the palate following closely behind with a meaty ( healthy ) taste.” – 96 Points James Halliday, The Australian Magazine.
“One of Australia’s most famous and significant wines. It’s a blend of Barossa grenache, shiraz and mataro. Melton has adopted a grenache dominant style with shiraz and mataro adding to the blend. It is a wine of complexity and layers with a mix of sweet fruit and spices all under a highly scented aroma. Grainy slightly chalky tannins hold it neatly. A modern classic.” – 98 points, Ray Jordan, The West Australian