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. — 2 months ago

K. Syrah

9.1

2015. Sangiovese. Torn here: clearly well-made and concentrated but dark fruit is still so muted even after 4-5 hours of air. Some oak definitely masking the fruit but such dark, dry flavors - could use some more acid/tartness to liven it up (like its more vibrant sister wine Fontalloro). Maybe time balances it out, but I’ll be on to other (warm) years by then. $43. — 4 years ago

T

9.0

This was extremely pleasing, kinda like watching someone fraudulent on social media getting slowly torn apart for being caught in a lie, you know what I’m talking about and how satisfying it is ..this wine is the same. Starts slow and smooth with blackberry, dark plum, and cherry. The climax is the buttery tannins and finish. Kinda like the comment section...just satisfying and you would come came to read the new ones..I will buy this again! — 5 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

This used to be Montevertine’s “second” wine (after Pergole Torte, obviously) but the vineyard was torn out and replanted in 1998. After that, their eponymous bottling was elevated to take its place while “Pian del Ciampolo” eventually became the “third” wine. Truthfully, they are all three different expressions of Radda so don't take my numerical rankings as a hierarchy of quality (though one could certainly make arguments in terms of importance). I digress, “Il Sodaccio” is producing fruit once again however, the singular expression is now history. This bottle represents “Il Sodaccio’s” swan song.

From magnum. Opened about four hours prior to service. The 1997 “Il Sodaccio” pours a garnet color moving to a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous but surprisingly spry given it’s a quarter century old. The fruit is more or less a mix of ripe and dried cherries, red plums, curaçao, cacao, porcini, dusty earth and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins that have well integrated but still there. Acid is medium as well. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is round while the finish is long and a touch savory. A lovely expression of Montevertine that extolls the virtues of the 1997 vintage with its abundant fruit and soft, friendly character. I mentioned to our guests that this bottle gave me the feeling of a warm hug from an old friend. Drinking well now and while I don’t expect further positive development, this magnum certainly has the legs for another 10 years. — 3 years ago

Paul J

9.3

1hr+ decant. Dark red, almost purple color. I wavered across the spectrum on this from 92 to 95. Strengths = Bordeaux like nose with cherries and cedar, silky texture, refined flavor on the palate. Opportunities = medium minus depth, very short finish, was expecting more fruit. 92.5 and rounding up. Torn on if it needs more or less air. — 4 years ago

with Brooke

Nurse Mike

9.1

2019 vintage, 7 dollars it was discounted do to labels being partially torn off, I mean, fruity, whole bodied, fantastic wine, especially for the price. — 6 years ago

Brad Jensen

9.1

Like a slightly more rounded, subtle champagne, with much more crisp apple and green citrus notes and just a hint of brioche, vegetal / grassy notes, and freshly torn bread crusts on the nose and palate. — 3 years ago

Arleigh

8.9

I was torn on this one... not much of an experience but it's such a chill wine. No particular flavors that stood out, not acidic or tart. Pleasantly dry and just easy to drink. Perfect for a night when you don't care about your vino so much as your patience for housework. I would buy it again the same way I'd enjoy the company of a person I forgot I knew at a community event. Doesn't taste like poor quality, just incredibly neutral in experience. — 3 years ago

garry post

8.9

Dry red North Italian red wine blend.

Blend: Corvina Veronese 40%, Corvinone 30%, Rondinella 25%, Sangiovese 5%

Strawberries, chocolate, dates, dried grass, plums, spices.

Having a big bowl of spaghetti topped with parmasan cheese and torn basil leaves.

Thank god, Biden is president and not the fool with orange complexion.

Dark reddish, purple color. My husband says this wine tastes like cough syrup! — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

2011 was a rather forgettable vintage in most parts of Australia particularly South Australia but it was good in Western Australia and the Hunter Valley which couldn’t be further apart. No other word but stunning. Sulphide funk with cashew nut and peach with oak all in perfect balance. Winner of 12 Trophies on the Australian Show Circuit and THE Chardonnay from the 2011 vintage in Australia. Excuse the torn label. I have 1 bottle left which will be consumed in the next 12 to 18 months. — 6 years ago