2015 Domaine Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Celestins
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Tasting notes
Reminding me of the 2005 (as well as the 1989) with its rich, powerful, muscular style, the 2015 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve Des Célestins reveals a deep, almost opaque ruby/purple hue as well as a great nose of blackcurrant and plum-like fruits intermixed with notions of smoked meats, chocolate, Asian hoisin sauce, and roasted garrigue. This full-bodied, concentrated Châteauneuf has building yet ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a meaty, bloody character that develops with air. It's not as ripe or exotic as the 2016, but its tannins are much riper and more polished than past vintages, and this is just loaded with potential. It needs to be forgotten for just 3-4 years, but it will be a 30-year wine.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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Looking at the barrels designated for the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve Célestins, which always comes from the famed la Crau lieu-dit, it offers a big, mouth-filling, chewy profile as well as classic dark fruits, garrigue, pot roast, pepper and cured meats aromas and flavors. It has lots of tannin, but everything is perfectly ripe, and this is a sensational looking effort. It’s worth noting that this will be the last wine ever vinified by Henri, and it certainly looks to be a fitting tribute to an incredible winemaker.
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.