October 15, 2022 - This was showing great at year 20. Rich body of chocolate, espresso, dark fruit, hint of oak. Smooth with well integrated tannins. No idea on the drinking window, but I don't see it fading for at least a few years. My only bottle.
June 19, 2021 - Rhone / Barossa Comparisons (London): Black red. Much thicker texture than the preceding Chateauneuf. Woody aroma, hint of roses and tar. Huge rich fruit flavour, treacle, raspberry, blackberry. Powerful stuff.
February 11, 2017 - Last magnum. Double decanted 2 hrs before dinner. Lovely well developed wine. Great nose, bit lighter than last magnum but the extra years gave a bit more development. Incredibly well balanced in this format. If you have any, drink it now.
September 11, 2015 - Blend of Shiraz and Grenache.
Elegant nose, nice richness and suppleness on entry with plenty of sweet fruits, milk chocolate, black berry, plum and white pepper. Long lingering finish with soft chewy tannins. Holding very well and drink nicely at this tasting.
September 10, 2015 - Australia 2002 horizontal tasting on cooling-off day (Extra Space, Boon Keng): Blend of Shiraz and Grenache.
Elegant nose, nice richness and suppleness on entry with plenty of sweet fruits, milk chocolate, black berry, plum and white pepper. Long lingering finish with soft chewy tannins. Holding very well and drink nicely at this tasting.
August 22, 2015 - I opened the bottle at 3:00 pm and kept tasting it until dinner time at 8:00. It needs at least 4 hours to open up. It's better to let it breath instead of drinking for the first 4 hours. Secondary aroma was noticed after 4 hours. It's leather, oak was well integrated, dark berry. It's solid and it does taste like new style Chateanuf Du Pape.
March 2, 2015 - Still drinking well, still has life and vigour, but I'd be enjoying it sooner than later.
January 17, 2015 - Riesling Refresher 2015: Meat, cherry, blackcurrant and spice. The palate is quite heavy, there is spice throughout that helps pick it up. Drinking well now.
November 16, 2014 - This was a bit of a step up from the Moppa Springs. Brighter in colour, it was also fresher as well. Much better than the 2003 we had at an offline earlier this year and I guess that would be down to the better vintage. Silken tannins and still plenty of red and black fruit poking through. Best Nine Popes I've had and a couple thought it WOTN.
May 11, 2014 - It’s been a while since I tasted relatively young Nine Popes and that touch of pickle juice is always there up front. Very youthful looking deep red colour. Dark red cherry and cranberry nose with soya sauce smoke and leather. Palate is balanced with fine tannins and decent finish. Another 3 to 5 years is needed, but on the right track.