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. — 8 months ago

Conrad Green

9.5

Soft and pretty. Delicate limestone and cool floral notes. A hint of salinity. Poised and balanced. Delicious — 2 years ago

with BOT, Jean-Francois and 2 others

Jan de Weerd

9.2

Vibrant, fruit forward dry Sauvignon blanc. Unripe Peach, pineapple and passion fruit. Evolving flavor gives it a nice finish. — 6 years ago

with Tammy

Maciej Kurka

9.3

From Magnum. Delicious — 8 years ago

Sean Herriott

9.2

Young but still enjoyable! — 9 years ago

Nick Ferrall

9.1

Pale strawberry rhubarb 👌🏼 — 9 years ago

Michael Gallegos

Sales & Hospitality Red Car Winery

9.1

Outshined by other fantastic burgundies in a tasting today, but good efforts. A little sulfur and matchstick on the nose, but good stone and chalk backing it up. Slightly more tropical perhaps as well. — 10 years ago

Philippe Dauguet

9.0

Noisette et brioche,
Encore très jeune — 11 years ago

Molly Liddell

10

Silky smooth and delicious. A beautiful wine. 2009 — 12 years ago

Mark Osmers

8.9

Excellent, easy drinking — 8 months 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. — 9 months ago

Amy

9.1

loved! had at gina’s $27 — 2 years ago

Daniele Cuzin

9.0

Enjoyed it for Christmas 2022 for the aperitif with blinis caviar and scallops bacon — 4 years ago

Shuji Yanada

9.3

香りも味わいも豊か。
MV2012
— 7 years ago

Daron Watson

9.0

an array of red fruits, minty fresh melding into menthol tobacco into earthy and chewy licorice ~ crunchy red fruits get sappy w just enough acidity ~ what’s not to enjoy! 🍷 — 8 years ago

David Friedman

9.2

Pre hurricane dinner. — 9 years ago

Beau Carufel

Winemaker/Owner Random Wine Company

9.3

Special Club doesn't get much better, in my opinion. So much complexity and power! Incredible mousse to lighten it all. — 11 years ago

Riccardo Arrigoni

9.4

Outstanding Quality price for this Grand Cru. Perfect structure and body. Mineral hints and delicate bubbles — 11 years ago

Nick Davis

9.5

Parmesan tortellini. — 12 years ago

Philippe Dauguet

9.6

Très fin et tout en délicatesse ! — 12 years ago

romo

9.1

Called savigny-les-beaune. Poopy, menthol, dog ear, beet salad. — 9 months ago

Ki Punwar

Owner, California Wine Republic

9.3

Initially tannic but this is full bodied and lush as it opened up — 9 months ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.1

Racy with pointed Pinot Gris flavors. Honeysuckle. A rare bird this — 2 years ago

Josh Morgenthau

8.9

Consistently great value grower pink bubbles. Very crisp and mineral, a bit austere at this point, a lot of the sumptuous fruit has faded to leave chalk, some cranberry, and red grapefruit peel and pith.

Disgorged 2019, base 2015 wine. — 4 years ago

Mark Rosse

9.3

From 375 and drinking fabulously! — 7 years ago

Joel Onodera

9.3

Nami likes — 8 years ago

with Nami

Richard Portes

9.2

17.5. 1991. Still youthful, some brown at the edges, but core ruby. All tannins resolved, plenty of fruit, M+ length. Delicious. — 9 years ago

Doc Jay

9.3

Allen Meadows says 94/100. A bit generous me thinks. Weighty. @Stephen Osgood you mad or naw? — 11 years ago

Mary Young

9.5

Caramel color, soft bubbles, lingering flavor — 11 years ago

Michael Walker

9.4

Great thanksgiving cheese accompaniment — 12 years ago