Explore the Charles Melton Icon Wine Series

In the heart of Australia's Barossa Valley, where tradition meets innovation, Charles Melton has established a reputation for crafting wines of distinction and character. Among the most revered in his portfolio are the Icon wines: Nine Popes and Grains of Paradise Shiraz. These wines embody the spirit of the Barossa, showcasing the region's rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of winemaking excellence.

Nine Popes: A New World Tribute to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Nine Popes is perhaps the most celebrated wine in the Charles Melton range, and for good reason. First released in 1988, this wine was one of the first to blend traditional Rhône varietals in Australia, drawing inspiration from the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines of France. The name itself is a playful nod to this heritage, referencing the "nine popes" who ruled during the Avignon Papacy.

This iconic wine is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro (also known as Mourvèdre), each varietal contributing to its depth and complexity. The Grenache provides a vibrant core of red fruit flavors, while the Shiraz adds spice and richness, and the Mataro offers structure and earthiness. Together, these components create a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with a long, satisfying finish.

Nine Popes is crafted from select Barossa vineyards, where old vines yield fruit of exceptional quality. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, which impart subtle notes of vanilla and spice, enhancing the fruit’s natural flavors without overpowering them. This careful aging process also lends the wine its ability to age gracefully over time, developing further complexity and depth with each passing year.

Grains of Paradise Shiraz: A Bold Expression of the Barossa

Grains of Paradise Shiraz is another standout in Charles Melton’s Icon Wine Series, representing a bold and unapologetic expression of Barossa Shiraz. The name "Grains of Paradise" refers to a rare spice once believed to hold mystical properties, much like the rare and remarkable qualities of the Shiraz grapes used in this wine.

This wine is sourced from select parcels of old-vine Shiraz in the Barossa, where the warm climate and ancient soils create ideal growing conditions. The result is a wine that is deeply concentrated, with rich flavors of dark berries, plum, and chocolate, underpinned by a complex spice profile.

The Grains of Paradise Shiraz is aged in a combination of French and American oak, which enhances its robust character and adds layers of vanilla, cedar, and sweet spice. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and intense, with a velvety texture that makes it approachable in its youth but capable of aging for many years.

The Charles Melton Icon Wine Series, with Nine Popes and Grains of Paradise Shiraz at its helm, represents the pinnacle of winemaking in the Barossa Valley. These wines are not just beverages; they are a tribute to the region’s history, the skill of the winemaker, and the unique terroir that defines each bottle.

For wine enthusiasts and collectors alike, Nine Popes and Grains of Paradise Shiraz offer a chance to experience the very best that the Barossa has to offer. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, these Icon wines are sure to leave a lasting impression, embodying the bold flavors and rich traditions that have made Charles Melton a name synonymous with excellence.