Charles Melton Nine Popes GSM 2022 | Barossa Valley

Charles Melton Nine Popes 2022 carries an important piece of Barossa winemaking history. First produced in 1988, Nine Popes grew from Charles Melton's commitment to preserving the region's older Grenache and Shiraz vineyards, drawing inspiration from the celebrated Grenache-based blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France's southern Rhône Valley.

The 2022 brings together Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro from Krondorf, Eden Valley and Rowland Flat. Fragrant Grenache character meets darker fruit, liquorice, anise and savoury spice, with a plush palate and finely shaped tannins. It's a richly textured Barossa red that reflects both the region's vineyard heritage and Melton's longstanding approach to these varieties.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Bright, settled mid-garnet in colour.

Aroma

Musky Grenache notes open onto darker black fruit, liquorice and anise, with a touch of cedar.

Palate

Plush and smoothly composed, showing generous dark fruit, anise and spice across a rich mid-palate. Fine, well-shaped tannins bring balance and length.

Finish

Long and spicy, with lingering anise and dark-fruit character.

Food Pairing & Serving

Well suited to roast duck, quail, slow-cooked lamb and other richly flavoured dishes. Serve around 16–18°C.

Vineyards & Winemaking

The 2022 Nine Popes brings together Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro sourced from Krondorf, Eden Valley and Rowland Flat in the Barossa. These different vineyard origins contribute to a wine built around generous fruit, aromatic complexity and fine tannin structure.

Nine Popes reflects Charles Melton's longstanding commitment to traditional Rhône varieties and the Barossa vineyards that have helped sustain them. The result is a richly flavoured red with the balance and structure to reward time in the cellar.