Charles Melton’s serious reds include his homage to Chateauneuf du Pape, the 2001 Nine Popes, a blend of 61.9% Shiraz, 35.4% Grenache, and 2.7% Mourvedre. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of Provencal herbs, pepper, licorice, black currants, and kirsch. This full-bodied yet elegant red offers wonderful purity, loads of character, and a fleshy mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. --Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2004.

Plush and velvety, the flavors focus on raspberry and other red berry character, turning toward hints of violet and peppermint on the well-formed finish. It's not a dense wine, but it has depth and length. Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2010. 800 cases imported. (HS) --The Wine Spectator, Sept. 15, 2004.