Charles Melton Wines

Charles Melton Wines has been producing premium Barossa red wines since 1984, built on a conviction that matters: Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre from mature vines deserve respect and investment. While other Barossa producers were pulling out Shiraz to plant fashionable alternatives, Charlie Melton and a small band of growers saved the region's historic vineyards. Today, his wines are leading examples in their own right—not Rhône imitations, but wines that stand on their own merit. The operation is family-run; his daughter Sophie now works alongside Charlie as a winemaker. The result is wines with real balance and freshness, built on old fruit and patient cellar work.

About Charles Melton Wines

Charles Melton owns 20 hectares of estate vineyards in Tanunda and Lyndoch, with the oldest vines planted in 1947 and others from the late 1960s onwards. These vineyards are dry-grown and chemical-free. The estate is supplemented by longstanding relationships with other growers, including one block dating from the 1880s with vines now 70–100 years old. This foundation of mature, low-yielding vineyards is central to the house style: supple reds with poise and refinement, aged in primarily French oak with some American oak to add texture without heaviness. Charlie's winemaking philosophy prioritises the character of old vines over fashion. His best-known wine, Nine Popes, is a Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro blend that has become a benchmark for the producer's ability to balance richness with elegance. Beyond the flagship, single-site wines tell the story of specific terroirs: Grains of Paradise is a full-bodied, opulent yet refined Barossa Shiraz; Voices of Angels, from vineyards on the Adelaide Hills–Eden Valley border, shows elegant, perfumed Shiraz with generous mid-palate presence. Rose of Virginia, named after Charlie's wife, is a full-bodied rosé with vibrant cerise colour, fragrant bouquet and pepper-spice notes. The Kirche, a Cabernet-Shiraz blend named after a Lutheran church the vineyard surrounds, delivers plush fruit with vanilla and sweet spice from French and American oak ageing. The Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon, made exclusively from Kirche vineyard fruit, displays a opulent character balanced by fine-grained tannin structure and layered berry complexity.

Charles Melton Wines in Our Collection

We stock five key wines that represent the producer's range. The 2021 Voices of Angels Adelaide Hills Shiraz scores 97 points (Winepilot) and shows the elegance Charles Melton can achieve from cooler-climate Shiraz. The 2019 Nine Popes Barossa Valley (Grenache-Syrah) earned 91 points overall, with James Suckling awarding 92—a confident entry point to the house style. The 2021 Grains of Paradise Barossa Valley Shiraz (91 points, Vivino 4.3) is the full-bodied, opulent option for those seeking a richer expression. For Cabernet lovers, the 2021 Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (91 points, Vivino 4.5) combines opulent fruit with elegant tannin definition and layered complexity. And if you want to explore beyond red, the 2023 Rose of Virginia (91 points, Vivino 4.2) is a full-bodied, crisp rosé with Turkish Delight aromatics and pepper-spice complexity—unusual and rewarding for a pink wine.

Food Pairing

Charles Melton's rich reds suit slow-roasted lamb, beef short ribs, and game birds with dark cherry or plum-based sauces. The Cabernet handles charred steak and aged hard cheeses. The Nine Popes, with its Grenache component, pairs beautifully with cured meats, duck confit, and herb-seasoned roasts. Rose of Virginia's body and spice work well with chorizo, tapas, and roasted vegetables. Voices of Angels, being lighter and more perfumed, suits roasted chicken, veal, and mushroom-based dishes.

Why does Charles Melton focus on old-vine Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro?

Charlie Melton was among the first to recognise the value of these varieties in Barossa's historic vineyards. While others were removing Shiraz, he and fellow growers saved these old plantings, now considered leading examples in their own right.

What is Nine Popes and why is it the signature wine?

Nine Popes is a Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro blend and Charles Melton's best-known wine. It exemplifies the producer's philosophy: balancing richness with elegance, using primarily French oak for supple texture and poise.

Are Charles Melton vineyards certified organic or biodynamic?

The 20 hectares of estate vineyards in Tanunda and Lyndoch are dry-grown and chemical-free. The wines draw from old vines (some over 100 years) and carefully selected grower partners with whom Charlie has worked for many years.

Who makes Charles Melton wines?

Charlie Melton founded Charles Melton Wines in 1984 in Barossa Valley, Australia. His daughter Sophie now works alongside him as a winemaker, making it a family-run operation.

What style of wine does Charles Melton make?

Charles Melton specialises in Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon—rich, balanced reds from mature vines. The 2021 Voices of Angels Shiraz scored 97 points, showcasing their elegant, perfumed house style.

How much does Charles Melton wine cost?

Charles Melton wines range from £28.70 to £69.20. The rosé starts at £28.70, while their premium reds span £38.60 to £69.20 depending on the vineyard and blend.