Jay Kline

9.6

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. — 23 days ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Amigos cuu — 7 months ago

Byron Hewett

9.3

A beauty. Needs a decant prior to consumption. A more linear style. Not fat and rich like Bonneau du Martray. — 2 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.3

Winery owned by same majority owner of Screaming Eagle and Bonneau du Martray. A pleasant surprise at age 14, still incredibly fresh with a Burgundian flair and toasty reduction. Fleshes out gaining weight and detail with air. Most definitely drinks above its price point. — 2 months ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.5

Gorgeous Pinot. Went well with elk filet — 4 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.5

Brock thompson jordan john s kevin b — 6 months ago

Pierre Gourinchas

9.4

Exceptional chateauneuf — 10 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

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. — 3 months ago

Alan Weinberg

9.4

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. — 4 months ago

Michelle Beer

9.2

Classic Sonoma cab , great with grilled burgers — 8 months ago