Charles Melton Nine Popes 2018
A wine we have followed for many years, with one particular memory being the 3 litre 1996 we had at our 31st birthday back in March 2018. Ian Cook, FWC.
50/48/2% grenache/ shiraz/mataro; 98% estate-grown fruit from Rowland Flat and Krondorf vineyards, 2% Matchoss Vineyard, Eden Valley. All up, 70% 1927-planted bush vines. Matured 30 months in (25% new) 70/30% French/American oak barriques. Charlie Melton's flagship is a complex and characterful take on the classic Barossa blend. The lively, spicy, fragrant mood of grenache leads out, with strong backing from the black-fruit depth and savoury spice of shiraz. Concentrated sweet-and-sour berry fruits meet a veritable spice cart of personality. Dark chocolate oak and plush, finely crafted tannins bring up a long and linear finish. Drink to 2028. 94 Points. Tyson Stelzer, Halliday's Wine Companion.