1997 Charles Melton Nine Popes

Notes sourced from Charles Melton wines.

The release date of the 1997 Charles Melton wines has been held back to give the wines 8 months in the bottle prior to release. Climatically the 1997 vintage was one of the longest harvest seasons this decade producing some rich elegant styles similar to those of the 1990 vintage. Produced from old dry grown bush Grenache vineyards, Nine Popes is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre and was matured in barriques for 12 months. On the nose there are aromas of briar, raspberry, plum and spice. The palate is meaty and firm with some toasty oak, cedar and spice overtones. Because of the coolness at harvest time the 1997 wines have retained a terrific acid structure. This combined with the firm tannin structure will enable the wines to be cellared for many years. 14.5% alcohol volume.