A fine concentration of tart dark cherry and blackberry informs Geantet's 2006 Marsannay Champs Perdrix, which offers a finely-textured palate and Gevrey-like underlying meatiness. It finishes with good grip if not much charm, and should be work re-visiting over at least the coming 2-3 years. After having been pleasantly surprised – even startled – by the quality of Vincent Geantet's 2005 collection, his 2006s demonstrated his talents in a challenging vintage. Geantet waited until the 25th of September to begin picking. He says that at most 10% of fruit needed to be culled from his crop, because proper vine management minimized problems with under-ripeness, botrytis, or taint of hail. Furthermore, his overall yields – unusually for the vintage – were, he reported, normal. As is routine at this address, a nearly uniform 30% level of new barrels was maintained (without its being obviously noticeable); malos were over well before Spring; and bottling took place during the second winter, leaving no indication in the glass that this was premature. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228