2024 Charles Melton Rose of Virginia

Charles Melton’s cult-favourite rosé doesn’t follow fashion - it just does its thing, year in, year out, and it’s all the better for it. Deep in colour, packed with flavour and dry as a bone, this is a proper grown-up rosé with serious personality.

Made mostly from Grenache, with a bit of Shiraz and Cabernet in the blend, it’s got all the hallmarks fans have come to expect - bright red fruit, a touch of musk and spice, and just the right amount of grip. It’s generous but never heavy, vibrant but not shouty. The fruit is all hand-picked from Melton’s Krondorf and Eden Valley sites, and it shows in the freshness and balance.

There’s plenty to love here straight out of the fridge, but it’s also a great match with food - whether that’s a long summer lunch, something grilled over coals, or just snacks in the sun. Still one of Australia’s most distinctive rosés, and still delicious.