Powerful, complex and beautifully structured — one of Australia’s most iconic GSM blends.

Charles Melton Nine Popes 2021 is a Barossa Valley legend: rich, layered and deeply expressive, blending old-vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro into a wine of remarkable depth and elegance. Inspired by Châteauneuf-du-Pape yet unmistakably Barossan, it’s a benchmark release crafted for both immediate pleasure and long-term cellaring.

Halliday Wine Companion - 97 Points 

I've mentioned previously that Charlie Melton's Nine Popes was one of the first wines that made me fall in love with Barossa wines. I guess you could call it a regional classic and it remains one of my favourite wines from the Barossa. A blend of old-vine grenache, shiraz and mataro from Krondorf, Rowland Flat and Eden Valley. Perfumed red and dark plum fruits with raspberry pip and citrus blossom top notes. Hints of dried citrus rind, medina spice, rose petals, charcuterie, bath talc, pan juices, gentle oak spice and earth. It's savoury and succulent at once with a sapid, briny energy and a sweep of sour morello cherries on the exit. So good. Dave Brookes

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Dark cherry, raspberry, plum and black pepper with hints of anise, cedar and dried herbs.

• Palate: Full-bodied and beautifully layered, showing rich red and black fruits, savoury spice, earth and fine tannins.

• Finish: Long, silky and complex with lingering spice, dark berry and fine oak.

Food Pairing / Serving Suggestions

Ideal with roast lamb, venison, slow-cooked beef, game dishes, hearty pasta or mushroom ragù. Decant for an hour to reveal full aromatic depth.

About the Winery

Charles Melton, founded in the early 1980s, is one of the Barossa Valley’s pioneering boutique producers especially renowned for elevating Grenache and GSM blends to premium status in Australia. Fruit for Nine Popes is sourced from old, dry-grown bush vines, many exceeding 70 years of age. Traditional winemaking, gentle handling and French oak maturation contribute to its trademark richness, polish and longevity.

Cellaring Potential

Drink now for plush fruit and spice or cellar confidently until 2040+ as complexity deepens and tannins integrate.

Collector’s Note

Nine Popes is one of Australia’s most awarded GSMs, with past vintages earning 96–98 Halliday points, multiple Gold Medals, and recognition as a benchmark Barossa blend. The 2021 vintage  from an excellent, cooler growing season is already being praised for its balance, depth and outstanding age worthiness.

Details

• Winery: Charles Melton

• Vintage: 2021

• Varieties: Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro (GSM)

• Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia

• Classification: Premium Old-Vine GSM Blend

• Certifications: Sustainable Viticulture