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: DSC stands for Domaine Sophie Claire. Riesling from Mt Pleasant in the Adelaide Hills and Eden Valley. All hand picked fruit. Whole bunch pressed with only the free run taken for this wine. A 3 week fermentation at relatively cool temperatures of 12-14 degrees. Just over a month on lees to help increase the mouthfeel. A classic style of Riesling that will age gracefully.
From the winemaker: “The combination of Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills fruit has provided us with a wine of great Riesling typicity. A slightly more perfumed rendition this vintage but still maintaining the classic citrus base. Notes of lime sherbert, green apple and a hint of tropical fruits are evident on the nose. The palate continues with the house style of gentle texture, elegant & crisp acid and further notes of lemon rind and muscat. A classic, bone dry Riesling which will age gracefully but can easily be enjoyed right away, well chilled.”
96 points, Red Star For Value, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion‘Those who spent endless hours in the vineyards were rewarded with synergistic, highly expressive, and healthy fruit. The result is that classic mix of citrus and Granny Smith apple on a deliriously long palate.”
RRP $47 Our Special Price $37.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
