Charles Melton, `Grains of Paradise` Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia PRODUCER 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 were 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. VINEYARDS Shiraz grapes for the 'Grains of Paradise' come from the finest vineyard sites in the Barossa. For the 2016 vintage, much of the fruit was sourced from Charlie's 12 hectare Kirche vineyard in Krondorf. Relatively youthful at 40 years old, this vineyard produces some of the highest quality Cabernet grown in the Barossa, along with superb Shiraz. Most of the vineyard sits on loam and red clay, with the edge on the eastern side heading into the seam of black cracking clay (Bay of Biscay). So named because it surrounds the Zum Kripplen Christi Lutheran Church, built in 1864. VINTAGE Winter had lower rainfall than normal and these dry conditions carried on through to summer. This led to low bunch numbers and smaller berries which reduced yields but also resulted in more concentrated flavour and deeper colours. Above average temperatures led to earlier flowering, veraison and harvest. Vintage began the first week of February and was relatively compressed due to the ongoing warm weather. VINIFICATION The grapes were destemmed only and fermented at temperatures between 18-23°C with daily pump-overs. The wine was moved to older oak to undergo malolactic fermentation on full lees. After 24 months of ageing, a tasting of all the Shiraz Grape Varieties 100% Syrah/Shiraz barrels was undertaken, with the finest being selected for the Winemaker Charlie Melton Grains of Paradise blend. The blended wine was transferred to Closure Stelvin Lux new American oak for a further six months ageing before racking, blending and bottling. ABV 14.5% Acidity 6.12g/L TASTING NOTES Wine pH 3.46 A wonderful expression of the traditional Barossa style. Grains of Paradise has dark, sweet aromas of chocolate, vanilla, spicy fruit Bottle Sizes 75cl, 150cl cake and mocha. These lead to a rich and dense palate with Notes Vegetarian, Vegan weighty tannin and a smooth finish..