Châteauneuf-du-Pape 'Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix', Charbonniere 2021

Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix is a lieu-dit (named single-vineyard) comprising 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre hand-picked and then undergoing a rigorous sorting process in both the vineyard then the winery. Vinification is a gentle process in both stainless steel and large oak vats before maturing in predominately large oak foudres.

This vintage is an absolute delight to drink now. Rich, developed aromas of red, dark and dried fruits, spice, mocha and earthy, leathery notes lead onto a full and rich palate with great, warming depth of flavour. Soft, rounded and smooth with well integrated tannins, pleasing developed notes and a long length.

Drink now though will keep will into the middle of the decade.

Domaine de la Charbonnière has been a family owned and run estate since its establishment in 1912 by Eugene Maret and is situated in the heart of the southern Rhône just outside the town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself. Michel Maret took over the reins in 1973 and is currently in the process of handing over to his two daughters, Véronique who looks after winemaking operations and Caroline who oversees commercial operations. Their main vineyard holdings are in Châteauneuf-du-Pape from where they make some impressive red cuvées each from different parcels of land together with a white which is one of the best in the region. The also have a small vineyard in nearby Vacqueyras from where they produce an excellent and great value for money red. In all their wines have a reputation for excellent balance combined with a real intensity and depth of fruit character.