2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Mourre des Perdrix, Dom. de la Charbonnière

The delightfully named Mourre Des Perdrix is one of Michel Maret’s four Châteauneuf -du -Pape cuvées, these particular partridges hiding out in a sandier soil than most, their lair in the centre to north of the Appellation. The only wine with a soupçon of Cinsault in its make-up, this is the most elegant and, for want of a better word, fruity wine in the Charbonnière portfolio. As with all top Châteauneuf, of course, fruit is only part of the story; a richly savoury backdrop and spicy texture writ in large and voluminous splendour.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)