HENRI BONNEAU Vin de France "Les Rouliers"
Wine Region: Rhone Valley - France
Grape: Grenache, Cinsault
Tasting Notes: Made from a vineyard worked by Henri’s son, Marcel, in the Gard (west of Châteauneuf on the western side of the Rhône River) and so sometimes contains declassified Châteauneuf from his own vineyards. Has all the hallmarks of a great Châteauneuf with astonishing freshness, depth and complexity with a floral spice lift that belies its age. This is a wine that most Châteauneuf producers would be happy for their 'regular' Châteauneuf. However, this is anything but 'regular'.
About the winery:
Henri Bonneau is one of the true legends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and despite his passing in 2016, the legacy carries on thanks to his historical team who is keeping the same methods. The family has 6 hectares of vineyards split between the best plots of Châteauneuf, including La Crau, the finest terroir delivering the mythical "Cuvée des Célestins". The winemaking has never changed there, and the keyword is time, the wine is aged in oak for 3-4 years… a habit among many others, all of it making Henri Bonneau's wines so unique.