2009 Charles Melton Nine Popes GSM

First produced in 1988, Nine Popes is regarded as the wine that kick started the Grenache revival in Australia in the late 1980's / 1990's

Inspired by the classic 'GSM' blends of Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, it stands as a beacon of quality amongst other great 'GSM' blends and is a classic example of quality dry grown, old vines in the Barossa Valley.

“Charlie Melton, one of the Barossa Valley's great characters, with wife Virginia by his side, makes some of the most eagerly sought after à la mode wines’ in Australia.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion

94 Points - Ben Edwards, Halliday Wine Companion (June 2021)
The bouquet offers a hedonistic blend of sweet red and black fruits, liqueur soaked plums, licorice and bramble; the palate is sweet-fruited and certainly warm, with a long and succulent finish. Shiraz/Grenache.

93 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front (Feb 2012)
I seem to have missed the past few vintages of Melton’s Nine Popes but it’s a wine I always enjoy drinking. This vintage included. Grown on old vine bush grenache and old Barossa shiraz vines. Matured in two-thirds French, one-third American oak. 25 percent new. This release is terrifically enjoyable to drink as a young wine. It’s warm and sweetly spiced, fruit-driven and impeccably well balanced. Raspberries and licorice root, five-spice and earth. Smoth/cedary/spicy/creamy oak influences add to the enjoyment. This is a very good release. Purity plus. Smooth texture and warm length. I would drink it young but it will, of course, cellar well.