Charles Melton Voices of Angels Shiraz 2017 (Barossa Valley)

Charles Melton Wines has produced premium Barossa red wines, at our winery on Krondorf Road since 1984. It was in the mid 1980's that Charlie and a small band of Barossa winemakers turned their winemaking efforts to what was considered then to be a couple of unfashionable varieties; Shiraz and Grenache.

With these varieties, Charlie built a small range of classic dry reds including a Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro blend called the Nine Popes. These wines were initially styled on those from the Rhone but are now considered leading examples of the varieties in their own right.

Two key factors give rise to the stylistic consistency that is the single vineyard Voices of Angels 2017. The first is that 10-15% whole bunch is used in the fermentation, the second is the inclusion of Riesling off the same block and of the same vine age as the Shiraz. This has been the treatment of this fruit over the last 25 years.

The 2017 completed malolactic fermentation in barrique and remained on lees with bi-monthly battonage for 18 months before being transferred to new French oak puncheons for 12 months for a final polish. The wine was naturally settled before bottling. Ageing "sur lie" for the full maturation period, builds and enriches the structure and mouth feel before settling to achieve natural clarification. Winery Notes