The 2016 Charles Melton Nine Popes is one of Australia's benchmark Rhône-style blends and a standout release from one of the Barossa Valley's most respected producers. Inspired by the great wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Nine Popes has become an Australian icon, celebrated for its ability to combine richness, complexity, and elegance with exceptional ageing potential.
Produced from a carefully crafted blend dominated by old-vine Grenache and Shiraz, with a small proportion of Mataro, the 2016 vintage showcases the remarkable quality of Barossa Valley fruit from an exceptional growing season. Widely regarded as one of South Australia's finest recent vintages, 2016 delivered fruit of outstanding concentration, balance, and tannin quality.
Sourced from low-yielding vineyards across the Barossa Valley, the wine was matured for approximately 24–28 months in predominantly seasoned French oak barriques. This extended maturation enhances texture and complexity while allowing the purity of fruit and vineyard character to remain the focus.
The bouquet is intensely aromatic, offering layers of raspberry, blackberry, dark plum, kirsch, and mulberry, intertwined with notes of liquorice, five spice, dried herbs, earth, and the distinctive garrigue-like savoury character that has become synonymous with Nine Popes. Subtle oak influence contributes further complexity without dominating the wine.
The palate is rich, powerful, and beautifully balanced. Grenache provides aromatic lift, generosity, and silky texture, while Shiraz contributes depth, dark fruit concentration, and structure. The small Mataro component adds savoury complexity and longevity. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity support the concentrated fruit core, leading to a long, persistent, and elegant finish.
Still youthful and energetic, the 2016 Nine Popes is already immensely enjoyable with decanting but possesses the structure and balance to reward cellaring over the next 15–20+ years.
Winery: Charles Melton Wines
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Blend: Grenache, Shiraz & Mataro
Vintage: 2016
Style: Full-Bodied Rhône-Style Blend
Food Pairing: Roast lamb shoulder, grilled ribeye, duck, venison, slow-cooked game meats, Mediterranean cuisine, and mature hard cheeses.
