97 Points - Dave Brookes
Charlie Melton is an icon of the Barossa; one of the first to recognise the value and tradition of the Barossa’s old vineyard Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. Representing the flagship wine of Charles Melton, Nine Popes is a legendary GSM that takes its place among Australia's most acclaimed and collectible red wines.
A play on the Chateauneuf-du-Papes style, the 2019 Charles Melton Nine Popes is made from dry farmed, old vine bush Grenache, which is co-fermented with Shiraz (with just a few single-varietal tanks joined the blend later in the piece). Opening with bright, lifted aromatics, the characteristic musk of Grenache sits alongside the dark plums of Shiraz and herbaceous spice of the Mataro. The palate is plush and balanced, with licorice and dark berry flavours, supported by fine oak tannins. A wine of power and finesse this is another stunning release of Nine Popes.
"97 Points. Charlie Melton's Nine Popes was one of the first wines that make me fall in love with Barossa wines, and it still makes me go all gooey-eyed. It's old-vine grenache and shiraz aged for 27 months in French oak (50% new). Wonderfully fragrant red and dark plum fruits with high tones of raspberry coulis and orange blossom. Under the fruit lies layered spice and hints of red licorice, redcurrant jelly, roasting meats and earth. The fruit on the palate is pure and true, the tannins tight, powdery and fine and there is a lovely cadence to the acidity as it propels the wine forward. It's still, and always has been, a joy to drink. 14.5% alc. Drink: 2023 - 2035. Screwcap. $105."- Dave Brookes, winecompanion.com.au.
