Charles Melton Grains Of Paradise 2013 (Museum Release)
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Shiraz from Krondorf and Rowland Flat. Fully destemmed but uncrushed fruit is given a cool 10-14 day maceration prior to a gentle membrane pressing. The pressings and free run are combined prior to transfer to 100% American oak of which 40% is new. The oak is seasoned in France for 3 years before being coopered using the immersion (water) bending technique rather than fire bending. The 2013 Grains spent around 28 months on its lees in barrique prior to a natural settling and bottling.
‘One of the great wines of the Barossa Valley, not just because of its quality, but also its individuality of style. It is traditionally destemmed, plunged and pumped over, the oak providing the X-factor (plus high quality fruit). American oak is sent to France for 3 years air drying, then coopered using the boiling water method to soften the staves for bending, and only once half-made does it receive any fire toasting. Dargaud and Jaegle are the masters. Just relax and let the glorious black fruits sweep you away. Drink to 2048.’ 97 points, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, July 2021.
Charlie Melton needs no introduction. Since his first vintage in 1984 and on to his first vintage of Nine Popes in 1988 and beyond he has been a leader of the Barossa Valley. Importantly, he was one of the first to recognise the value of the Barossa’s old plantings of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, at a time when the S.A. Government launched the infamous Vine-Pull Scheme, paying growers to remove these so unproductive vines!
And thank goodness he did! Since those early days, the range of Charles Melton Wines has expanded, with total plantings today of just over 34 hectares, the majority being old vine plantings in Krondorf, Lyndoch and Rowland Flat. Indeed, the very oldest of these (at Rowland Flat) will be celebrating their centenary in 2027.
As if this pedigree needed any endorsement, the 2014 Nine Popes was awarded the trophy for Best Australian Red at the 2017 International Wine Challenge in London. Today, Charlie has been joined by daughter Sophie as winemaker, further underwriting the future of this much admired and celebrated family business.