2008 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Marie Beurrier (probably) is more monolithic and narrowly constructed with medium body and notes of garrigue, lavender, pepper, beef blood, leather and lots of sweet red and black currant fruit. Henri Bonneau, who is now 70 years of age, continues to make Chateauneuf du Pape the way it was made 50-100 years ago ... long cask aging in old barrels and bottling it, as he says jokingly, “when I need money.” A visit to these cellars is always one of my most rewarding of the year. The barrels and foudres that will probably be used in the Cuvee Marie Beurrier all have the letter “G” on them and everything with Reserve des Celestins potential has the letter “P” on it. Bonneau went through a litany of the issues that confronted the 2009 vintage, particularly the drought that affected much of the Grenache planted in many of Chateauneuf du Pape’s terroirs, and he reminded me that he had predicted it would be a problem when I saw him last year. Bonneau continues to claim the 2007s are too showy and flamboyant to ever develop into a great, long-lived vintage. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
From a steel tank: Vivid red. Fresh red berries and flowers on the nose. Lively, pinot-like raspberry and cherry flavors are complemented by tangy blood orange. From cask, all from La Crau: Deeper cherry and cassis aromas and flavors. Sweet, round and focused dark fruit flavors, with good grip. The spicy finish leaves a floral note behind. The final blend should result in a sweet, graceful wine that will drink well young.
About the producer
This very old-school property makes the most unique Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines are fantastically complex and Boneauu made it as it would have been produced 100 years ago in the commune, using methods that familiar to any of the 11 generations of vignerons in his family who preceded him.
Product details
Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Grenache/ Garnacha, Syrah / Shiraz, Roussanne, Garnacha Blanca/Grenache Blanc
Red
Dry