2013 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, Halliday Wine Companion

97 Points - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (June 2021)
Shiraz, grenache, mataro undergoing the most complex fermentation of all Charles Melton wines: hand-plunging, whole bunch fermentation, wild and cultured yeast, with a mix of single and co-fermentation, matured in French barriques (25% new) on lees for 28 months. A richly woven tapestry of spiced red and black fruits that stands apart from and above all but one or two Barossa Valley GSMs. It is wonderfully detailed and complex, yet achieves this with a lightness of foot and freshness of face.

17/20 Points -Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com (Sept 2016) 
Mostly Grenache, with some Shiraz and Mourvèdre.
Warm and spicy on the palate, rich and fragrant with a welcome dose of tannic chew too. Fine, lifted fragrance on the finish. Convincing.