Château Vieux Bonneau

Henri Bonneau

Cuvée Marie Beurrier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2000

I’ve said before that the wines of Chateau Rayas are almost singular in the AOC; certainly one of the purest expressions of Grenache in the world. However, there is another producer that for me, might be an even more archetypal expression of the character of Chateauneuf-du-Pape: Henri Bonneau. Henri’s wines were also predominately Grenache however, they are denser and darker, particularly the Cuvée Marie Beurrier. This is probably more to do with the small addition of other local varieties along with terroir for Mrie Beurrier (Courthézon). Henri had strong feelings about varieties, vine age and cellar practices. He didn’t really like Syrah in CdP (though he had a little of it). He didn’t like ancient vines (most were 30-50 years old and would be torn out and replanted if they were getting up there in the age range) and he believed in extended aging in wood, a collection of very old barrels and foudres. Regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with his approach, the results were undeniably special.

Opened prior to dinner; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2000 “Cuvée Marie Beurrier” pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!). Layered notes of dark brambles, black cherry, garrigue, dried red flowers, beef stew with all the veggies and mixed inorganic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is forever long. This is tremendously well balanced and a wine that I just wanted to keep coming back to…and I did. Drink now through 2040.
— 5 days ago

Zach, Brian and 11 others liked this

Bonneau du Martray

Corton Grand Cru Pinot Noir 1993

Gorgeous Pinot. Went well with elk filet — 3 months ago

David, Ted and 10 others liked this

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2012

Opened prior to dinner; enjoyed over several hours. The 2012 pours a light ruby with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of red brambles, red rope licorice, leather, red flowers and purple flowers, and stony minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose the finish is medium+. Textbook, Grenache forward CdP that’s showing quite beautifully. Drink now through 2032. — 11 days ago

Ira, Andrew and 20 others liked this

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2015

Brief notes. Mellow and very balanced in this medium bodied palate - no point in further cellaring. In fact, so balanced that nothing stands out but it is highly savoury and richly textured. I think I preferred this wine when it was younger and vibrant. I see Jancis’s drinking window was 2019 to 2026. — a month ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 21 others liked this

Le Vieux Donjon

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2001

Dark and full of character. Very pure with gnarly undertow. Clean and pure — 3 months ago

Paul WoollsAra Aslanian
with Paul and Ara
Tom, ESF and 5 others liked this

Bonneau du Martray

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Chardonnay 2004

Absolutely on fire with lemon zest and acidity, ripe fruit, a finish that echoes. Used to be the value grand cru white. This still has the Premier Cru strip label. — 3 months ago

Mike, Ira and 15 others liked this

Daniel-Etienne Defaix

Domaine du Vieux Chateau Vaillon Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2013

Nose: mineral. Lemon oil. As this opens lemon flower.

Palate: mineral. Rich. Sweet lemon. Quite delicious. As this opens classic Chablis. Petrified minerals.
— 12 days ago

Andrew, Zach and 2 others liked this

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Очень приятное, ароматное (при охлаждении) и сладкий чернослив на вкус. У французов. — 6 days ago

G.A.E.C. Bonneau & Fils

Réserve des Célestins Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2000

2000 vintage. Great fill and cork. Opened with a Durand and decanted. A little sed but manageable. tasted 40 minutes and 1.5 hours after opening. Medium body. 14% ABV on the label and not questioning it since this effort was throwing nearly zero heat. All secondary and tertiary impressions at this point and they were unified and present. Some dark fruit still but emphasis capably drawn towards the black olive, durty earth, finish. Really knitted together currently. Maybe another 5-spot in this guise? Maybe another decade? Hard to tell but showing beautifully now. 01.28.26. — 2 months ago

"Odedi", Paul and 20 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

Very cool!!
Neil Valenzuela

Neil Valenzuela

Sounds amazing! 🍷