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. — a month ago
Apples and citrus on the nose. Crisp and acidic palate with a long smooth finish with more notes of apple. It makes a wonderful cold glass on a hot summer day. For $7.99 at Costco, this is a bulk buy. — 2 years ago
Benito y c murgia joes dc 2007 mejor año — 5 days ago
Lalo o ballesteros ale l @ yoko — 6 days ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner at Le Mazenay. The 2019 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe mixed brambles, some dried red and purple flowers, a touch of VA, some black pepper, some anise and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. A fantastic pairing with partridge. Already showing very well in its youth. Drink now through 2034+. — 5 months ago
Get out the thesaurus because I do not have enough adjectives to describe this wine. A similar wine to Rayas in that both wines share characteristics, which if you are being blinded, leads you to Burgundy. Has that wonderful iron fist in a velvet glove texture. Wonderful florals, and red fruit, soar out the glass like a SpaceX launch. In the mouth, the telltale structure that all great wines have. On the palate, waves of complex fruit, earth and perfectly judged acid and tannins caress your taste buds. A long layered finish that will have you shaking your head. A big thank you to the sommeliers . — 3 years ago
Conrad Green

deep and funky with spice and great depth. Black cherry and loads of complexity on the mid palate. A real stunner — 8 days ago