Premium Barossa Red wines from Charles Melton are crafted to reflect the rhythm of the seasons, the richness of our earth and the quiet patience of its people. Charles Melton Nine Popes 2009 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia Nine Popes is a grenache-based red that is mixed with old 80-year-old parcels of Barossa shiraz and mourvèdre in between Williamstown and Ebenezer.

It is all whole bunch fermented and the cap is managed via pigeage and hand plunging, as well as daily pump-overs throughout fermentation. The wine aged in a high percentage of French oak for 20 months.

Look for a fragrant spicy red with a slightly soupy texture. The palate is a mix of red and black liquorice and plummy, dark red berry fruit with earthy, cinnamon, savoury. A bit soft and unkempt it the back end but otherwise solid. Serve with lamb or beef dishes.