A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre – so a Southern Rhone style, but made in the Barossa, South Australia, in their unique ‘with a twist’ expression. Twenty years have mellowed the wine, but it still shows a primary, deep purple colour, just a little brick red to the edges. The nose opens mildy reductive, flinty and toasty, then a wave of boysenberry, musk rose, date, redcurrant, damson and liquorice. A sweet, jammy quality to the fruit, framed with plenty of oak, and though the acidity lingers, it is a touch muted now, after two decades in bottle. The palate is fleshy and succulent with plump tannins and a dense texture that edges towards voluptuous. The finish is long, sweet and a touch spicy. A classic South Australian red, showing the best can go the distance. 93pts
Charles Melton Nine Popes 2002
