2002 Nine Popes

Dark red. Vibrant, lively and assertive on the nose, with aromas of plum, redcurrant, cherry, espresso and potpourri. Supple, suave and concentrated, with dark berry, chocolate, tarragon and oak spice flavors perked up by a hint of dill. Finishes a bit wound-up, flavor-wise, but with lush, supple tannins.(Epic Wines,Aptos CA

Funky, smoky, oaky, herbal, peppery scents jump from the glass of the deep ruby-tinged 2002 Nine Popes, Melton’s homage to Chateauneuf du Pape. More herbaceous than usual, with sweet fruit, medium body, and a style that begs for drinking over the next 3-4 years. Robert Parker, Oct 2005