2006 Domaine Chante-Perdrix Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rouge, Rhone Red, France
This 45-acre estate, owned by the Nicolet family, produces mostly reds from its vineyards in the official A.O.C., though some whites are made as well, with the largest crop being Grenache from a classic area with large river stones in the vineyard. This is a ripe and full-blown Chateauneuf with lush textures and intense fruit that explodes on the palate. The mouth is filled with blackberry, plum, grenadine, and tangy currant fruits with leather, lavender, game, earthy minerality and peppery spices mixed in. This wine was aged in big oak ovals and doesn’t have or need anything else, as it is rich and with solid structure that shows sweet fruit and zesty acid in good balance. I love this wine and have enjoyed a few different vintages and have found it a great choice for a Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This vintage is about 80% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvedre and a little known grape, maybe the rarest of Chateauneuf red grapes, Muscardin, and it really pumps out the flavors and has a super long finish. This red can be enjoyed now, but it has plenty of time to go, I’d say it will be at its best in 5-6 years and should last 12-15 years easy. ($45 Est.) 93-94 Points, grapelive
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*Imported by EX-Cellars, and be ordered through Rancho Cellars, 1-831-625-5646
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