2015 Charles Melton Nine Popes

Produced from predominantly dry grown bush vine Grenache (50%) co-fermented with old vine Shiraz (48%) and a small percentage of dry grown Mataro (2%), the 2015 Nine Popes was aged on its lees for 24 months in almost exclusively French oak barriques (86% French and 14% American).

A ripe seductive Grenache blend that emulates the great wines of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Very deep dark red black core with a very dark red hue. Lifted aromatics of ripe dark raspberries, liquorice, dark plum and a hint of dark chocolate rise out of the glass with subtle earthy vanillin cedar and spice ensuing. Rich and seductive there’s a feeling of great opulence to the mouthfeel, the palate saturated with decadently ripe dark raspberry, liquorice and black cherry flavours which merge into some chocolatey vanillin cedar, earth and spice. Fleshy and round with silken tannins the palate boasts fantastic concentration and power. Very lengthy finish of succulent dark raspberries, chocolate bullets, black cherries, vanillin cedar, earth and spice.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews.....
An iconic label and iconic wine that's been a feature of the Barossa Valley for the better part of 45 years. Dry-grown bushvine grenache is the dominant variety, co-fermented with old vine shiraz and a small percentage of mataro. It is matured for 2 years in French barriques, and although the colour isn't deep, it has retained purple notes, and also great depth to the mouthfeel and sumptuous multifaceted red and purple flavours. Drink by 2030.
97 points
James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion