Charles Melton only releases a very small parcel of this wine each year, most of which is sold through cellar door. Emulating the styling of the classic Seppelt Great Western sparkling reds, the base wine matured for around two years in oak before being transferred to bottle for a traditional method fermentation.

2023d

This 2023 disgorgement is fresh out of the starting block, and is a blend of 2012, 2013 and 2015 wines (mainly Shiraz, with around 20% Cabernet and a little old-vine Grenache). With almost 5 years on lees, this is a deeply complex and integrated sparkling, with a mix of fragrant red fruits and sweet spices. A mild sweetness (30 g/L) sits in perfect balance with beautifully clean lift and barely-there tannins.

“Absolutely love it. Notes of cassis, cloves, dark chocolate, aniseed, mulberries, cranberries and coffee beans. A mouth-filling style yet the balance is impressive. The sweetness here seems more in the perception than the glass and they have managed to keep it well in check. This is a great sparkling red and will drink beautifully for at least the next 10 to 15 years. Drink now–2039” 96 points, Australian Vintage Journal

95 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion