{"product_id":"2022-charles-melton-the-kirche-750ml","title":"2022 Charles Melton The Kirche 750ml","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"378\" data-end=\"743\"\u003eSince 1984, \u003cstrong data-start=\"414\" data-end=\"432\"\u003eCharles Melton\u003c\/strong\u003e has been a defining name in the Barossa Valley, known for producing some of Australia’s most characterful and age-worthy reds. His flagship wines — often blends of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet — are crafted with a philosophy that honours the Barossa’s heritage while pursuing elegance and finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"1141\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"762\"\u003eWine Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"765\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"779\"\u003e‘The Kirche’\u003c\/em\u003e (German for \u003cem data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"806\"\u003e“the church”\u003c\/em\u003e) takes its name from the historic old stone church that stands beside Melton’s winery in Tanunda. Sourced from some of the region’s oldest dry-grown vineyards, \u003cem data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"979\"\u003eThe Kirche\u003c\/em\u003e is typically a blend dominated by \u003cstrong data-start=\"1014\" data-end=\"1024\"\u003eShiraz\u003c\/strong\u003e, supported by \u003cstrong data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1061\"\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/strong\u003e, capturing the power and depth of the Barossa in a seamlessly balanced style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1143\" data-end=\"1411\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1143\" data-end=\"1155\"\u003eVineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1158\"\u003eFruit for the 2022 vintage was drawn from low-yielding old vines in the heart of the Barossa Valley, rooted in deep red clay and sandy loam soils. These mature vines produce small berries of great concentration, natural tannin, and aromatic intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1699\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1427\"\u003eWinemaking\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1427\" data-end=\"1430\"\u003eTraditional open fermentation with hand plunging, followed by maturation for 20 months in French oak hogsheads and barriques (approximately 40% new). The result is a deeply structured, richly layered red with impeccable balance and potential for decades of evolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1962\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1712\"\u003eVintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1715\"\u003eThe 2022 vintage in the Barossa was mild and balanced, following a cool spring and long, even ripening period. The wines from this year show remarkable freshness, purity of fruit, and fine-grained tannin — a return to classical Barossa elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1964\" data-end=\"2312\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1964\" data-end=\"1981\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"1984\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2009\"\u003e2022 ‘The Kirche’\u003c\/strong\u003e displays deep garnet hues with aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, cocoa, and subtle cedar. The palate is powerful yet poised — dense black fruits, dark chocolate, and savoury spice supported by firm tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long and harmonious, showcasing both structure and finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2314\" data-end=\"2560\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2314\" data-end=\"2339\"\u003eTechnical Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2342\"\u003eRegion: Barossa Valley, South Australia\u003cbr data-start=\"2381\" data-end=\"2384\"\u003eVarieties: Shiraz \u0026amp; Cabernet Sauvignon\u003cbr data-start=\"2422\" data-end=\"2425\"\u003eVintage: 2022\u003cbr data-start=\"2438\" data-end=\"2441\"\u003eAlcohol: ~14.5%\u003cbr data-start=\"2456\" data-end=\"2459\"\u003eMaturation: 20 months in French oak (approx. 40% new)\u003cbr data-start=\"2512\" data-end=\"2515\"\u003eClosure: Cork\u003cbr data-start=\"2528\" data-end=\"2531\"\u003eDrinking Window: 2025–2040+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2562\" data-end=\"2846\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2562\" data-end=\"2580\"\u003eA Barossa Icon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2583\"\u003eThe 2022 \u003cem data-start=\"2592\" data-end=\"2621\"\u003eCharles Melton ‘The Kirche’\u003c\/em\u003e exemplifies the richness, elegance, and longevity that define Barossa’s greatest reds. A commanding yet beautifully balanced wine — a fitting tribute to both the region’s heritage and Melton’s uncompromising craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vic Liquors Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Single","offer_id":52736100565355,"sku":"SK57669875","price":51.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 PK (Case)","offer_id":52736100598123,"sku":"SK68713777","price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0956\/5483\/8635\/files\/Charles_Melton_The_Kirche_750ml.png?v=1780390209","url":"https:\/\/kingsburycellars.com.au\/products\/2022-charles-melton-the-kirche-750ml","provider":"Kingsbury Cellars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}