The 2012 Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Célestins is an iconic, old-school Southern Rhône red wine made predominantly from Grenache. Averaging around $400 to $470+ per bottle, it earns stellar critical praise (such as 97 points from Wine Spectator) and is celebrated for its deep complexity and aging potential through 2040.
Flavor Profile and Character
- Grape Varieties: Primarily Grenache (over 90%), blended with smaller amounts of Mourvèdre, Counoise, and Vaccarèse. The grapes mainly originate from the core of the renowned "La Crau" plateau (red clay and pebble terrain).
- Winemaking: Extremely traditional. Aged for approximately 5 years in very old oak barrels before bottling, unfiltered.
- Tasting Notes: Full-bodied with sweet tannins that are perfectly integrated into the liquid. It possesses a wonderful balance between intensely rich chocolate notes and delicate dried fruit, culminating in a very long finish with distinctive smoky, tobacco, and juicy notes.
- Structure: Full-bodied and powerful with sweet tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, smoky finish.
- Alcohol Content: Approximately 15%.
Optimal drinking window
2020 to 2040. It is currently in its prime drinking window, but its remarkable acidity and structure still give it the potential to age for decades.
