Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 2006 150cl

Mature in feel, but still plenty gutsy, with a bacony cedar and tobacco frame to the roasted plum and fig fruit. Lots of pepper, iron and brick dust notes weave through the finish. Grippy and plenty long, but nicely racy, with a mouthwatering saucisson note hanging on the very end. Drink now through

So, with no further ado, the 2006 Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Celestins (this bottle was the only wine not tasted at the domaine and was purchased and reviewed by me last year) is a blend of 85% Grenache, and 15% assorted varieties, that’s aged all in older barrel and foudre. Exhibiting a dense ruby/purple color, it is incredibly old-school on the nose with loads of roasted Provencal herbs, meat juice, plum sauce, game, and licorice aromas all showing up. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a full, fleshy mid-palate, superb ripeness, and a solid finish, this textbook Chateauneuf du Pape opens up beautifully in the glass and is a joy to drink. With no hard edges and an approachable feel, it is superb now, but should also age gracefully for 12-15 years.