2005 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Tasting notes
The dark ruby-hued 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Marie Beurrier (probably) seemed very tannic and austere as well as full-bodied and powerful, but the tannin levels are significant. That characteristic has not changed over the last several years. 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
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(from young vines, likely to be Marie Beurrier) Bright red. Vibrant redcurrant and raspberry on the nose, with a complex array of herbal and floral qualities adding complexity. Finely etched red fruit flavors are deepened by musky herbs and black tea notes. Very clean and brisk on the finish, which strongly repeats the red fruit.
Bright ruby. Deep and ripe on the nose, with powerful cherry and red berry liqueur scents complicated by licorice, cured meat, olive and botanical herbs. Lush kirsch and blackcurrant flavors are complemented by sweet mocha and bitter espresso, with solid tannins adding grip to the finish. A distinctly wild style, and awfully compelling.
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
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Counoise, Syrah / Shiraz, Vaccarese
Red
Dry