Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Célestins Henri Bonneau & Fils 1998
14.5%
0.75L
Intensity
Lot presentation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Célestins Henri Bonneau & Fils 1998
The wine
Cuvée Réserve des Célestins is probably the most powerful of Henri Bonneau's Châteauneuf wines. It is selectively blended from the best barrique barrels, and only in great vintages. For this reason, this wine is available only in certain years.The grapes are not destemmed, and vinification takes place in traditional concrete vats. Elevage is split between old wooden tuns and French oak barrique barrels, taking 3 to 5 years. With extraordinary depth and complexity, it develops solid, generous aromas of smoke, pepper and black and red berries.
About the Producer Henri Bonneau & Fils
Henri Bonneau, who died in 2016, was the 12th generation in his family to make wine and one of the most respected producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. His very high quality wines had a unique personality. The 6-hectare vineyard is planted primarily to Grenache (85%) and supplemented by small amounts of Mourvèdre, Counoise and Vaccarese. Although Henri Bonneau never considered converting to organic farming, he ran his vineyard the “old-fashioned” way: no chemical products, low yields, grapes harvested at optimum ripeness, indigenous yeasts during fermentation and long élevage periods of 4 to 10 years. His wines stand out for their complexity, and although very concentrated they have remarkable, if not astonishing, finesse. The various cuvées he produced in limited volumes are particularly hard to come by. Since his death, it goes without saying that there is a fight to get hold of his wines.
Detailed characteristics
Quantity: 1 bottle
Level: 1 NormalObservations: 1 Slightly marked label, 1 Separated capsuleOrigin: private individual
Type of cellar: underground, natural cellar
Recoverable VAT: no
Original wooden case / Original case: no
French customs seal: yes
Alcohol percentage: 14.5 %
Region: Rhone Valley
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Owner: Henri Bonneau & Fils
Vintage: 1998
Colour: red
Peak drinking window: drink until 2030
Service temperature: 16°
Size (in ha): 6 hectares
Volume: 5000 bottles
Intensity: smooth
Leading aroma: black fruit
Tasting occasion: food-friendly wine