Country: Australia  Region: South Australia  Vintage: 2013   Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red  Producer: Charles Melton "Charlie Melton was one of the first to recognise the value and tradition of the Barossa Valley's old-vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre (Mataro) vines. While others were pulling out Shiraz to plant more fashionable varieties, Charlie and a small band of Barossa winemakers were convincing farmers to keep their historic vineyards. These wines were initially styled on those from the Rhône, but are now considered leading examples of the varieties in their own right. Charles Melton has produced premium Barossa red wines since 1984. Charlie's wines have wonderful balance and freshness, with the use of French oak giving them a supple texture and balance. The grapes are dry grown, chemical free and harvested from the winery's own vineyards in Tanunda and Lyndoch. The estate vineyards now comprise 32 hectares, the oldest having been planted in 1947, with the balance planted from the late 60s onwards. The estate vineyards are supplemented by other growers with whom Charlie has worked for a number of years. The oldest grower block dates from the 1880s, with a number ranging between 70 and 100 years old. Best known for his 'Nine Popes' (a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro), Charlie's single site wines such as 'Grains of Paradise' and 'Voices of Angels' have grabbed a lot of attention in the last few years. The former, from the Barossa, is more elegant and lifted than most Barossa wines, while the latter, from a vineyard that straddles the border of the Adelaide Hills and the Eden Valley, is a modern classic." Winemaker: Charlie Melton Vineyards: Fruit from one of the vineyard's finest Barossa blocks makes up the majority of this wine. The single vineyard, which is located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, dates back to the early 1900s. It is a more elegant style than traditional Barossa Shiraz but still retains the warmth and generosity of the Barossa. No chemicals have been used for over five years. Vinification: During fermentation, a mix of hand plunging and pump over techniques in the traditional style influenced this wine. The wine is finished in barrique with all the press wine included. American oak is sent to France for a 36-month European seasoning before being coopered into barriques using the immersion bending technique. The wine is then aged ‘sur lie’ to give an interpretation of the traditional Barossa style with a contemporary twist. Tasting Notes: A wonderful expression of the traditional Barossa style. Deep in colour and softly perfumed with excellent melding of vanillin and cedar oak aromatics and rich Barossa Shiraz fruit. Intense coffee and mocha flavours are supported by firm tannins and richness of mouthfeel. Food Suggestion: Excellent with dark, grilled meats or to accompany a rich cheese board with fruit components. Closure: Stelvin Lux  ABV:14.5%  Acidity [g/l]: 6.47