TASTING NOTES FOR Charles Melton Nine Popes GSM Barossa Valley South Australia 2017

🍷 Appearance
Deep garnet to crimson with a dense core. Richly coloured, showing both concentration and the beginning of gentle maturity.

👃 Aromas
Highly perfumed and complex, with lifted raspberry, cherry and plum layered over spice, dried herbs and subtle earthy notes. Hints of leather, cedar and floral lift add further intrigue and depth.

👅 Palate
Full-bodied and beautifully composed, delivering a core of red and dark fruits—plum, cherry and blackberry—supported by spice, chocolate and savoury undertones. The Grenache brings perfume and softness, while Shiraz and Mourvèdre add structure and depth.

🍈 Texture & Finish
Silky yet structured with fine, grainy tannins. The finish is long, layered and persistent, carrying spice, dark fruit and savoury complexity with excellent balance.

🍇 Overall Style
A benchmark Barossa GSM—rich, perfumed and layered. Built on old-vine Grenache with Shiraz and Mourvèdre support, delivering Rhône-inspired complexity with Barossa generosity and impressive ageing potential.

🍽️ Food Pairing
Perfect with roast lamb, slow-cooked beef, game meats or Mediterranean-style dishes. Also excellent with aged cheeses or hearty shared plates.

🥂 BBD Verdict
An iconic Australian GSM—powerful yet refined, with incredible depth and balance. A standout for premium mixed dozens and ideal for customers wanting a serious, cellar-worthy red with pedigree.

Cheers
Peter Turnbull
Better Buy The Dozen 🍷