Distinguished Langtons Classification. Based on the wines of Chateauneuf du Pape, or home of new popes, alternate papacy of the 13th century. Drawing fruit from the only other classic Grenache growing area in the world, Melton has given this evocative grape a little Aussie twist, assembling the inspiring varietal with parcels of old vines Barossa Mourvedre and Shiraz. Litigation by the French was avoided, but problem remains, Melton's French skills were a tad light when he named the wine, assuming Chateauneuf du Pape was a reference to the nine popes.

From choice Barossa blocks between Williamstown and Ebenezer, some over eighty years of age. Parcels are treated to the complete Charles Melton regimens, whole bunch fermentation of de-stemmed but uncrushed fruit. Cap management techniques include pigeage and hand plunging, as well as daily pumpovers throughout fermentation. The base wines after completion of ferments, present a fascinating palette from which to construct the Nine Popes, fortuitously not too much quantity at any extreme. A higher percentage of French oak is employed to add lovely cedar notes. Aged twenty eight months sur lie, Nine Popes is assembled before a light filtration.