Charles Melton Voices of Angels Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2017  £59.16

CHARLES MELTON VOICES OF ANGELS ADELAIDE HILLS SHIRAZ 2017

Charles Melton Wines has produced premium Barossa red wines since 1984. At that time, Charlie and a small band of Barossan winemakers turned their winemaking efforts to what was then considered a couple of unfashionable varieties: Shiraz and Grenache. These wines were initially styled on those from the Rhône but are now considered leading examples of the varieties in their own right.

This wine is sourced from the Mount Pleasant vineyard which sits on the boundary of Eden Valley and the Adelaide Hills. Technically, this wine is from the Adelaide Hills, but spiritually the fruit is Eden Valley

2017 was a cool year with a record level of rainfall throughout the growing season, lowering to average levels in November during flowering, It was dry during March, the later part of ripening which allowed for better levels of natural acidity than in previous years and preservation of elegant tannins.

The varieties were co-fermented with between 10 and 15% whole bunch used to give fresh, fruit-forward aromas. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in a mixture of new and old oak barrels, before being transferred to 100% new French oak for the final 12 months. The wine was matured on the lees in oak for 24 to 27 months, with regular battonage.

This wine is a deep crimson colour with aromas of dark chocolate, black fruits and pepper. The palate has round tannins and a smooth finish.

2017 Not yet rated

2015 - 97 Points Wine Companion 

2016 - 95 Points Wine Companion