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. — a month ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.1

Lunch at Union Square Cafe. Great match to the food. Asian spices, crushed flowers, earthy, good balance and very expressive. We loved it. — 2 months ago

with Jose, veronique and 1 other

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

James Burge

9.1

slightly oxidative, but really maintained its acidity. marzapan and a little vanilla — a day ago

Jose Lorenzo

9.0

A baby. Will wait at least 5 yrs to open the next. — a month ago

Mark Osmers

8.9

Excellent, easy drinking — 2 months ago

romo

9.1

Called savigny-les-beaune. Poopy, menthol, dog ear, beet salad. — 3 months ago

Jack Petras

9.2

Had zero expectations for this wine at a party featuring lost bottles from your cellar. It was like a raspberry preserve that you canned 10 years ago and still has the essence of that years growing season. An unexpected joy. — 8 days ago

Joe Fischer

9.3

Ruby with aromas of cherry, blueberry, strawberry, and some earthiness. Smooth with a long finish. On the bud, cherry and stewed fruits. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Initially strong sulphidic aromas of the struck match variety. A mineral chalky streak on the palate with grilled nuts, citrus and a little white peach. Medium plus palate length and another great effort, particularly for a Village wine, from the “enfant terrible” of Burgundy, Henri Boillot. As an aside, from a retired printer, I love the graphics and typefaces used in this label. — 3 months ago