{"product_id":"2016-charles-melton-nine-popes-shiraz-grenache-750ml","title":"2016 Charles Melton Nine Popes Shiraz - Grenache 750ml","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"427\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"804\"\u003eProduced 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"1104\"\u003eSourced 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1461\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1463\" data-end=\"1858\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1860\" data-end=\"2043\"\u003eStill 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2045\" data-end=\"2276\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2045\" data-end=\"2056\"\u003eWinery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Charles Melton Wines\u003cbr data-start=\"2077\" data-end=\"2080\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2080\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Barossa Valley, South Australia\u003cbr data-start=\"2123\" data-end=\"2126\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2136\"\u003eBlend:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grenache, Shiraz \u0026amp; Mataro\u003cbr data-start=\"2162\" data-end=\"2165\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2177\"\u003eVintage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2016\u003cbr data-start=\"2182\" data-end=\"2185\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2195\"\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full-Bodied Rhône-Style Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2419\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2295\"\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roast lamb shoulder, grilled ribeye, duck, venison, slow-cooked game meats, Mediterranean cuisine, and mature hard cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Craft Republic Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51336463483195,"sku":"3779402378","price":125.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0839\/1540\/7675\/files\/2016CharlesMeltonNinePopesShiraz-Grenache750ml.png?v=1781252651","url":"https:\/\/craftrepublic.com.au\/products\/2016-charles-melton-nine-popes-shiraz-grenache-750ml","provider":"Craft Republic Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}