Description
‘Charlie, one of the Barossa Valley’s great characters, and wife Virginia, make some of the most eagerly sought-after wines in Australia.’ James Halliday
Charlie Melton needs no introduction. Since his first vintage in 1984 and on to his first vintage of Nine Popes in 1988 and beyond he has been a leader of the Barossa Valley. Importantly, he was one of the first to recognise the value of the Barossa’s old plantings of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, at a time when the S.A. Government launched the infamous Vine-Pull Scheme, paying growers to remove these so unproductive vines!
And thank goodness he did! Since those early days, the range of Charles Melton Wines has expanded, with total plantings today of just over 34 hectares, the majority being old vine plantings in Krondorf, Lyndoch and Rowland Flat. Indeed, the very oldest of these (at Rowland Flat) will be celebrating their centenary in 2027.
As if this pedigree needed any endorsement, the 2014 Nine Popes was awarded the trophy for Best Australian Red at the 2017 International Wine Challenge in London. Today, Charlie has been joined by daughter Sophie as winemaker, further underwriting the future of this much admired and celebrated family business.
About this wine: La Belle Mere or The Mother in Law. A blend of Grenache, Shiraz, Riesling, Mataro. From the winemakers: “Nice bright, medium depth to the colour and lovely clarity. Initial pepper and spice upon first look, with a sweeter Grenache musk coming to the fore with some air. A touch of black cherry from the Mataro as well. A hint of sweet cedar coming from the oak but not overpowering with only a small component being new. Lively palate structure but not missing the traditional plushness and velvet finish from the “sur lie” maturation. A wine from a vintage that has provided wonderful cellaring structure.”
92 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion “If you’re wondering what the ‘R’ is in this blend, me too. Dear reader, it’s riesling! In fact, this is a blend of 46.2/45.3/4.6/3.9% grenache/shiraz/riesling/mataro. I like this idea and it’s nothing new, providing a little velocity and floral cut to a wine without reaching for a bag of acid. It’s vibrant and plummy, spice is plentiful and there are some lovely blossomy notes and some nice snap to the acid profile. I like this.”
RRP $44 Our Special Price $34.50 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
