I’ve always enjoyed the wines of Henri Bonneau but I haven’t put anything away since the 2006 vintage and I’ve only cellared the regular chateauneuf, which I’m enjoying this evening. It looks like they’ve gotten significantly more expensive even for the basic chateauneuf, and if I purchase more it will fall into my “pricey” bucket. I’m wondering if the jump from chateauneuf to Marie Buerrier is worth it, as that could also fit into my “pricey” purchases. Celestins is too much. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
Alex
Henri passed away 2.5 years ago. This has caused the prices to rise significantely … unfortunately. The last vintage on the market is (to my knowledge) now 2013 … two more vintages - and that´s it … (don´t wanna think about 2015 prices …)
Usually there is a significant step up in quality from the regular CdP to Marie Beurrier. The regular isn´t produced at all in the very top vintages (is there a 2005 ? a 2009?) - on the other hand in less than top vintages when there is no Celestins all the juice of Celestins is in the MB (like in 2003).
MB usually also gets the longest aging in barrels (5-6 years) … and is quite accessable when released …
BTW: also the Vin de France Les Rouliers is worth purchasing (non-vintage, different cuvees !)
I remember that wonderful tasting in Graz well!
Yes, it´s been some time …
Cheers ! ![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}
I have found with Bonneau that I prefer his wines from less opulent, ripe vintages, in other words, less expensive, and lower point scorers.
I have done two mini verticals, and both times, the 2004 was my favorite.
I cannot say that I prefer 2004 over 2005 - or 1999 over 1998 …
however a favorite of mine is (and was since purchase) 1997 Marie Beurrier - it´s simply drinking always so well, so balanced and complex … although I wouldn´t rate it higher than (e.g.) 1998 …
I had a very enjoyable bottle of the 1988 Marie Beurrier earlier this week; from a friend’s only so-so cellar, it was nevertheless in good condition, certainly for a 30 year-old wine. If anything, it was almost too strong.
Yes, both 1988s (Celestins and MB) are very fine, however I had it last almost a decade ago …
Some 1.5 years ago we had a 1973 Bonneau (regular CdP), lightweight as a feather and fragrant like a Burgundy, but excellent …
The Les Rouliers is worthwhile – there’s a lot of bottle variation, but in a fun way, i.e. nothing bad, but you don’t know if you’re going to get something more sauvage or smooth. (The numbers on the label will give you a clue to the vintages represented, apparently.) I’ve had the CdP and the Marie Beurrier from various vintages but can’t tell you which one I’ve enjoyed more. The 1991 Marie Beurrier was one for the ages – took 5 hours to open up. I have a couple of Celestins (1995, 2001, 2010) but haven’t cracked them, so I don’t know if they’re worth the extra loot.
The 1991 MB is unbeliveably good for the (crappy) vintage. but it actually contains the Celestins juice …
but believe it or not: also the regular 1991 CdP is excellent, better than many others 1990s … ![[wow.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/7/7d450e9830889c8943b674446a21b7254cad657e.gif "wow"){kind=small}
(had it only once some 8 years ago)
The only older Bonneau I’ve had is the ‘89 MB - and it was truly awesome. Contender for WOTY in 2017.
Does anybody know what was the 1st vintage of “Marie Beurrier” ?
The oldest I know is 1988, while I know “Celestins” back to 1972 …
Henri told me 1989 was the best vintage of his career…
The 1989 Celestine is my favorite Bonneau wine in contrast to the overly ripe 1990s, in particular the speciale cuvée which was/is kind of nasty.
If you ever get the chance to try the '86 Celestins it is an incredible wine even today. Supposedly it was really '85 juice, although not clear how that happened. I have one precious bottle left.
The 1986 C. is a great wine (I have one left), although I prefered 1988 by a tiny margin, and still more 1989 which is really great … 1990 is imho on par, but different and a question of preference.
The Cuvee special 1990 is … well … speciale …
A fun tasting with François Audouze was Bonneau C. 1981 side by side with Pegau 1981 … Pegau still improved with (more) air … and eventually won.
I would guess all tastings with Gerhard, Francois, or both, would be fun.