2022 Charles Melton Nine Popes Grenache Shiraz Mataro 750ml

Overview

Nine Popes is Charles Melton Wines' Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro blend from the Barossa, drawing fruit from Krondorf, Eden Valley and Rowland Flat. The 2022 vintage combines the plushness and aromatic character of Grenache with darker fruit, liquorice, spice and finely toned tannins. Built with both generosity and structure, it is positioned for extended cellaring.

Producer Tasting Notes

Charles Melton Wines: “Settled, bright mid garnet colour. Initial bouquet is still some musky Grenache but a stronger, darker black fruit liqourice/anise scent with some new cedar oak noted mixed in. Still sweetly scented but a more muscular aromatic. A lovely plush entry into the mouth. A rich, smoothly composed palate, with real mid palate sweetness and again, long spicy/sweet anise flavours combined with finely toned tannins.”

Critic Reviews

97 Points – Winepilot: “This iconic GSM blend put Australian GSM on the map. Primary fruit comes from nearly 100-year-old bush vine Grenache, balanced with Shiraz and a small amount of Mataro. The nose is intricate, combining licorice, spice, dark fruits, and subtle perfumed confectionary-like notes. The palate is powerful yet soft and generous, seamlessly integrating a sweet mid-palate with complementary spices.”
Tasted November 2025

96 Points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion: “A stone-cold classic Barossa GSM from fruit sourced in the south of the Barossa Valley, matured in French oak for two years. Fragrant with a pastille brightness on the bouquet alongside black cherry, blackberry and dark plum fruits, flashes of raspberry, layered with hints of dark licorice, cocoa nibs, roasting meats, citrus blossom and earth. Pure and spice-laden with an elegant line, bright minerally acidity and plenty of persistence on the finish.”
Published 27 July 2026

Cellaring

Charles Melton Wines states that Nine Popes will reward patient cellaring of 25+ years. Halliday Wine Companion gives the 2022 vintage a drinking window of 2026–2046.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2022
• Producer: Charles Melton Wines
• Varietal: Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro
• Region: Barossa, South Australia, Australia
• Fruit Sources: Krondorf, Eden Valley, Rowland Flat
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Maturation: French oak for two years
• Drinking Window: 2026–2046