916. Charles Melton, Nine Popes Barossa Valley, 2012

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Charlie Melton’s accidentally mis-translated Château-Neuf-du-Papes blend. Equal Grenache and Syrah, with 4% Mourvèdre. Mid ruby-garnet. Ripe, refined plum and ripe raspberry. Meat development to the lightly oaked, spicy nose. Sweet, plummy black fruit, with a creamy texture, but a spicy, savoury edge too. Light, fine tannins and a fair length. Definitely Barossa, but a fair homage to the Chateau of the Nine Popes.