Advanced Search
Colour
Style
Status
Country
Region
Sub-region
Producer
Grape variety
Bottle size
 
Overview
Tasting Notes
Producer Details
Producer Images
Charles Melton

Charles Melton Nine Popes 2009

Grenache, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia, 2009
Print page
From only £25.20 per bottle

In Stock Equiv £26.60 (Save £8.40)

 
Add  
Nine Popes is a take on the classic CNDP blends of the Southern Rhone.  Charles Melton Wines has produced premium Barossa red wines since 1984.  At that time, Charlie and a small band of Barossa winemakers turned their winemaking efforts to what were then considered a couple of unfashionable varieties: Shiraz and Grenache. These wines were initially styled on those from the Rhône but are now considered leading examples of the varieties in their own right.

The blend is equal Grenache and Syrah with around 5% Mourvedre.

The Grenache fruit in this blend comes principally from old dry grown bush vines, the Barossa being one of the last areas that contains such a rich resource. The Shiraz and Mourvèdre are a mix of trellis grown and bush vines of similar age.

Charlie Melton uses a range of different techniques in the Nine Popes, including whole bunch fermentation, along with de-stemmed but uncrushed fruit. For this vintage 35% new French oak was used to add complexity to the nose. Oak ageing was in mostly French barriques for 16-18 months before being blended and given a light filtration to bottling. No fining agents were used.

A classic dark wine with a mix of spice, liquorice and other complex flavours leavened by some sweeter talc-like perfume that will evolve into a seductive long term style.
 Charlie Melton uses a range of different techniques in the Nine Popes, including whole bunch fermentation, along with de-stemmed but uncrushed fruit. For this vintage 35% new French oak was used to add complexity to the nose. Oak ageing was in mostly French barriques for 16-18 months before being blended and given a light filtration to bottling. No fining agents were used. A classic dark wine with a mix of spice, liquorice and other complex flavours leavened by some sweeter talc-like perfume that will evolve into a seductive long term style.

Charles Melton

We've enjoyed all of Charlie Melton's wines for a years at HarperWells, in fact all the team knew them well before we came together. 10 years on we know the man behind the wines too.  Nowdays considered a veteran, Charlie Melton was one of the first to recognize the value and tradition of the Barossa Valley’s old-vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre vines. While others were pulling out vineyards of Shiraz to plant more fashionable varieties, Charlie and a small band of Barossa winemakers were convincing farmers to keep their historic vineyards. These wines were initially styled on those from the Rhône but are now considered leading examples of the varieties in their own right.

Charles Melton Wines has produced premium Barossa red wines since 1984, so we're not far from three decades of history here.  Throughout this time Charlie’s wines have always had wonderful balance and freshness, with the use of French oak giving them a supple texture and balance. The grapes are dry grown, chemical free, and harvested from the winery’s own 50 acres with key vineyards the Winery Block in Tanunda (planted 1947) and the Woodlands in Lyndoch, plus family growers.

Wine features
  • 0.75l volume
  • 14.5% ABV
  • Drink by 2019
  • Screw Cap
Need assistance?
You can also place orders by phone; we would be delighted to hear from you... +44 (0)844 335 8324
Shipping & orders
 
Free local delivery. Standard bulk rate £7.50. Single bottles £5.00. Orders placed before midday should be delivered within 3-4 days.
Shop with confidence
Our website is safe and secure.
Please see our Buying, Selling and Delivery policies for more details...