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: Shiraz from Krondorf and Rowland Flat. Fully destemmed but uncrushed fruit is given a cool 10-14 day maceration prior to a gentle membrane pressing. The pressings and free run are combined prior to transfer to 100% American oak of which 40% is new. The oak is seasoned in France for 3 years before being coopered using the immersion (water) bending technique rather than fire bending. The 2021 Grains spent around 28 months on its lees in barrique prior to a natural settling and bottling.
From the winemaker about this wine: “As you would expect, more deeply coloured than the Voices, a juicy sweet plum and red fruited nose with an underlay of fragrant herbs. Very expressive, generous, rich mouthfeel, with a touch of roasted meat and again that tongue coating, plush width that carries through.
“The American oak casks provide a sweet and spicy secondary undercurrent that begs for proper cellaring of 25+ years. The main course companion par excellence; pair with filet mignon, King Henry chops or French lamb racks.”
95 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion “Shiraz sourced from the subregions of Krondorf, Rowland Flat. 28 months’ maturation in predominantly American oak, 15% new. Deep doris plum and blackberry fruits, flecked with citrus blossom and cut with hints of baking spices, cherry ripe, licorice, roasting meats and dark chocolate. For all that fruit depth there’s a seam of bright acidity that proffers light and cadence to the wine, superfine, silty tannins at the wine’s base and some great sustain on the finish. Drink 2025-2045.”
RRP $112 Our Special Price $89.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
