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.
Deeply coloured. Spicy fragrant nose, real depth and tightness. This is a serious wine. Many Grenache based reds can be light hearted and fresh, and indeed this is a legitimate manifestation of one Grenache style, but the aim is to make classic\s with a mix of spice, liquorice and other complex flavours leavened by some sweeter talc perfumes which will evolve into a seductive long term style.
