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Charles Melton Nine Popes Barossa Valley

Sale price  £69.23 Regular price  £86.98
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Charles Melton Nine Popes Barossa Valley

Red Wine | 2018 | 14.50% | 75 cl | Australia

A rich and vibrant dry red wine blend of 2018 Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro (Mourvèdre) from Barossa Valley, boasting intense dark plum and spice aromas with a bright palate, silky tannins, and a long, elegantly integrated finish. Robust yet balanced with notes of cinnamon and cardamom.

Sale price  £69.23 Regular price  £86.98
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Description

Discover the exceptional Charles Melton Nine Popes Barossa Valley 2018, a meticulously crafted dry red wine that reflects the distinct terroir of the Barossa Valley. This exquisite blend combines 51% Grenache, 47% Shiraz, and 2% Mataro (Mourvèdre), resulting in a vibrant portrayal of rich fruit character and complex spice notes. Each bottle encapsulates the legacy of old bush vines—some over 80 years old—producing naturally concentrated grapes without irrigation, ensuring every sip is a testament to quality and tradition.

With an ABV of 14.5%, the Nine Popes offers:

  • Aromatics: An alluring bouquet of ripe red and dark plum fruits, infused with spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, complemented by hints of orange blossom and salted caramel.
  • Palate: A full-bodied experience showcasing layers of luscious dark berries and plum, framed by silky tannins and lively acidity, leading to a lengthy, refined finish.
  • Finish: An impressive culmination with warm spices, deep fruit richness, and a smooth, lingering embrace of leather and oak that invites you to return for more.

To fully appreciate the Nine Popes, serve slightly below room temperature (around 16-18°C) and consider the following serving suggestions:

  • Pour gently into large, tulip-shaped red wine glasses to concentrate the aromas.
  • Allow the wine to breathe for 45 minutes prior to serving to enhance its depth and silky tannins.
  • Pair with a selection of aged cheeses, smoked meats, or a rich charcuterie board for an unforgettable culinary experience.
  • Delight your guests with dishes such as grilled lamb koftas or a mushroom risotto, perfectly complementing the wine's earthy notes.
  • Consider unique pairings like dark chocolate-dipped figs to contrast the wine’s spices with a sweet touch.

This 2018 vintage not only showcases the typical Barossa Valley richness but also embodies a harmonious balance that delivers a memorable experience. Indulge in the Charles Melton Nine Popes—a wine that invites exploration and enhances every gathering.

Tasting notes

This dry red wine delivers a powerful yet balanced experience, blending rich, ripe fruit and exotic spices with fresh acidity and a long, elegant finish that is both vibrant and rounded. It offers complexity and depth while maintaining a graceful lightness, inviting repeated enjoyment.

Nose

The nose reveals a vivid interplay of ripe red and dark plum fruits accented by layered sweet spices—cinnamon and cardamom—with subtle hints of orange blossom and red licorice, underpinned by a touch of salted caramel and earthy complexity. This aromatic profile is both intense and finely balanced, inviting with its warm spice and fragrant fruit purity.

Palate

Silky and full-bodied with lush layers of ripe dark berries and plum, framed by finely woven tannins and a lively acidity that lifts the rich, spicy core into a long, elegant finish with lingering notes of cinnamon and cedar warmth.

Finish

A persistent, sumptuous finish unfolds with warming spice, deep dark berry richness, and a seductive leather grip, balanced by subtle oak tannins that stretch long and smooth, leaving a vibrant, savory echo.

Key features
Grape Variety Proportions 51% Grenache 47% Syrah 2% Mataro
Producer Charles Melton
ABV 14.50%
Bottle Size 75 cl
Country Australia
Region South Australia
Vintage 2018
Closure Stelvin Lux

Dietary Notes

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Practising Organic
Serving suggestions

- Serve slightly below room temperature (around 16-18°C) to highlight rich fruit and spice while maintaining freshness. Chill briefly for 15 minutes before serving.

- Pour gently using a decanter or allow the wine to breathe for 45 minutes for enhanced depth and silky tannins.

- Present in large tulip-shaped red wine glasses to concentrate aromas and allow swirling.

- Pair with a charcuterie board featuring aged Manchego smoked chorizo and marinated olives for a Mediterranean twist.

- Serve alongside rich dishes such as grilled lamb koftas with pomegranate molasses or a mushroom and truffle oil risotto to complement earthiness.

- Garnish the serving table with fresh rosemary sprigs and cracked black peppercorns to subtly mirror the wine’s aromatic profile.

- For a lighter creative pairing try it with dark chocolate-dipped figs or espresso-rubbed beef sliders with caramelized onions.

- Ideal for festive dinners or intimate candlelit gatherings where its complexity can be savored slowly.

- Consider an alternate use by gently warming slightly chilled wine with a cinnamon stick and orange peel for a refined mulled wine variation.

Storage advice

For optimal storage of Red Wine like Charles Melton Nine Popes Barossa Valley 2018 75cl ensure the following:

- Temperature: Store at 55°F–65°F (13°C–18°C) ideally around 55°F to 60°F to preserve complexity and prevent premature aging or loss of flavor. Avoid room temperatures above 70°F.

- Light Exposure: Keep the wine in a dark place away from sunlight or artificial light to avoid degradation and spoilage.

- Sealing: Keep the bottle corked tightly. For unopened bottles the cork maintains a seal that prevents oxidation. For opened bottles reseal immediately with the original cork or a wine stopper to minimize air exposure.

- Bottle Position: Store bottles horizontally if cork-sealed to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out which can lead to oxidation. For opened bottles upright storage is acceptable to limit surface area exposed to air.

- Humidity: Maintain humidity around 70-75% to keep corks from drying while avoiding mold growth on labels.

- Additional Tips: Avoid excessive vibrations or frequent temperature swings that can harm wine quality. Avoid storing wine in kitchens or near heat sources.

- Opened Bottle Considerations: After opening consume within 3-5 days for best quality. Store opened bottles in the refrigerator upright with a stopper to slow oxidation.

These practical guidelines will help preserve the quality and shelf life of your red wine.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that the vintage and other product information provided on our website or in our materials for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is based on data supplied by the manufacturers and distributors. While we strive for accuracy, this information may occasionally be outdated or incorrect due to updates or changes made by the suppliers that have not yet been communicated to us.

Therefore, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the vintage, product descriptions, or other details provided.

Crucially, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding allergens, ingredients, nutritional content, and specific product details, we strongly advise you to ALWAYS carefully check the product labels on the physical bottle or packaging you receive.

Supplier information is subject to change without our direct knowledge, and discrepancies may occur. We are committed to providing the best possible service and information, but the responsibility for verifying critical details, especially those related to health, allergies, and dietary requirements, rests with the consumer upon receipt of the product.

By proceeding with your purchase, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and agree that we shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies in the vintage or other product information provided that originated from our suppliers.

Thank you for your understanding.

Drink aware

Savor our exceptional drinks responsibly. The misuse of alcohol has serious consequences. For guidance visit https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

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