Vintage 2018 provided almost identical conditions for all three varieties that make up the Nine Popes. The Grenache was fully fragrant. The Shiraz balanced but rich and the Mataro had a small berried explosion of spice in each bunch. The characteristics musk of Grenache is evident at this stage, and will increase with age, alongside the dark plums of the Shiraz and the spicy/herb of Mataro. A rich perfumed, savoury GSM of weight and depth.