2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Mourre des Perdrix

Almost always the most forward and fruit driven of the Cuvées, the single vineyard 2007 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix comes from the south east part of the Appellation and the Mourre des Perdrix lieu-dit. A blend of 69% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, and dash of Cinsault, it delivers an upfront, fruit-driven profile with black cherries, raspberries, melted licorice, violets, sappy underbrush, and roasted meat like qualities literally soaring from the glass. Full-bodied and thrillingly rich and decadent on the palate, with a seamless, polished texture, beautiful freshness, and a classic finish, this is drinking beautifully, with an easy 12-15 years of total evolution. It will be interesting to see if this ever shuts down; at the moment, it needs an hour of air to truly shine and is a real treat.

Saturated ruby. Sexy dark berry and kirsch aromas, along with notes of potpourri, fruitcake and garrigue Broad, palate-staining blackberry and boysenberry flavors are framed by velvety tannins and pick up suave floral pastille and Asian spice character with air. The very fresh finish leaves vibrant berry skin and spice notes behind.

Inky ruby. Powerful scents of blackcurrant, kirsch and licorice. Weighty but lively, with sweet black raspberry and cassis flavors, velvety texture and a late note of candied lavender. Gains power and tannic bite on the long, chewy finish. This will need cellar time.