2004 Domaine de la Charbonniere Châteauneuf-du-Pape Mourre des Perdrix

Also impressive, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Mourre des Perdrix is a blend of 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvedre. All from the Mourre des Perdrix lieu-dit that’s located in the eastern part of the appellation near Courthezon, and aged in a combination of stainless steel and oak tanks (15% being new), it gives plenty of sweet strawberry, garrigue, red licorice, flowers and kirsch that flow to a medium-bodied, light and seamless profile on the palate. Shinning for its purity and finesse, it is the most supple, elegant and ready-to-go in the lineup. Possessing vines mostly in the eastern section of the appellation (17 hectares), Domaine de la Charbonniere is run by the Maret family, with the two daughters, Caroline and Veronique, now taking more and more responsibility for the domaine. These 2004s were beautiful across the board and show classic Southern Rhone characters. They’re all drinking nicely, and should hold for another 4-5 years.