Producer: Domaine de la Charbonniere
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
Blend: 69% Grenache, 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, 1% Cinsault
Year: 2020 

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points 

"The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Mourre Des Perdrix comes from sandier soils around the estate and is a blend of mostly Grenache, along with 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and a splash of Cinsault. Its ruby/plum hue is followed by a soft, supple, seamless 2019 (this cuvée is always the most elegant in the lineup) with lots of kirsch and toasted spice aromas and flavors, medium to full-bodied richness, silky, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's another incredibly seamless wine from this team that can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years or more. While I’ve always loved the wines of Domaine de la Charbonnière, recent vintages are on another level, and I’d unquestionably put the domaine up with the crème de la crème of the appellation today. Run by the Maret family, with consulting advice from Philippe Cambie, Domaine de La Charbonnière produces four cuvées: the Tradition, Mourre des Perdrix, Vieilles Vignes, and the Les Hautes Brusquières. The Mourre des Perdrix comes from more sandy soils just behind the estate and is the same blend as the classic cuvée. This cuvée is always the most seamless and elegant in the lineup." 

James Suckling, 95 Points 

"Prototypical Southern Rhone nose of black fruit with orange zest and licorice. Very fresh and spicy palate, in spite of the ripeness and amplitude of the palate. The full tannins are already very well integrated, building steadily at the imposing yet refined finish. Excellent aging potential. A classic GSM (grenache, syrah and mourvedre) Southern Rhone blend. Drink or hold." 

Wine Spectator, 94 Points 

"Dense and brooding, this is packed with tightly coiled layers of black plum and cherry puree, charred garrigue and tar. A distinctly savory wine, with cracked pepper and black tea notes encasing the fruit. Showing somewhat grippy tannins that need time to soften, this wine will benefit from a few years in the cellar. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2025 through 2040." 

Decanter, 93 Points 

"Restrained nose of bramble and plums, with sweet spices undertones and savoury hints. Rich concentration, ripe with a crunchy acidity and firm tannins. Drinking Window 2023 - 2044." 

Wine Advocate, 92 Points 

"Virtually the same assemblage as the traditional bottling (69% Grenache, 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, plus 1% Cinsault) but from sandier vineyard parcels, Charbonnière's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Mourre des Perdrix delivers wonderfully pure cherry fruit that's almost sweet-tasting (it's labeled 16% alcohol), but it's balanced by gentle spice and herbal nuances. It's full-bodied and supple, finishing silky and long, with just a touch of warmth." 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.