2021 Charles Melton Nine Popes GSM

Nine Popes shows a lovely, deep colour with a bright crimson edge, immediately signalling both vibrancy and depth. The nose opens with a lifted, exotic perfume of spice and sweet aromatics, unfolding into a distinctive licorice allsorts character. Despite the use of 50% new oak, it remains beautifully restrained in the background, providing structure and support rather than dominance. The palate is plush and rounded, driven by layers of licorice and savoury meat stock flavours, carried by excellent volume and density. Fine, well-woven tannins provide shape and direction, giving the wine a poised yet generous structure. It finishes long and composed, with enough power and structure to suggest excellent ageing potential over many years.