Charles Melton Nine Popes 2021 bodegas-callejuela The second plot

The second plot

sourced from the Monterrei vineyards of José Luis Mateo’s close friend (and now collaborator) Juan José Vilela

especially for a team that makes picking decisions based on taste rather than tests

is becoming more robust and serious

The Schieferterassen is the cornerstone of the estate’s collection

Charles Melton Nine Popes 2021 bodegas-callejuela The second plotLovely deep colour. Nice bright crimson edge to the colour. Opens on nose with a delightful spicy licorice all sorts amalgam of sweet perfume and spice, although 50% new oak was used, it remains in the background as a support to the exotic aromatics. Licorice and meat stock flavours lead into a plush rounded structure, with an excellent volume of finely wrought tannins to help shepherd this wine many years into the future.