Domaine Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Marie Beurrier 2013

Henri Bonneau’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Marie Beurrier 2013 is one of the Rhône’s cult bottlings, revered by collectors for its depth, soul, and unmistakable Bonneau personality. Produced in tiny quantities and released only in the best years, Marie Beurrier offers a more approachable, sensual expression than the fabled Célestins, while still delivering profound complexity and longevity. Named after a cherished family member, this cuvée stands as a testament to old-vine Grenache, traditional craftsmanship, and one of the most iconic domaines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2013 Marie Beurrier shows a deep, translucent ruby to garnet hue, with a youthful core and a slightly evolved rim that hints at its growing maturity. The nose is complex and immediately engaging: warm red and black cherries, kirsch, raspberry liqueur, and blood orange peel layered with garrigue, dried herbs, leather, smoked meat, and a subtle touch of licorice and sweet spice. On the palate, this is rich yet surprisingly elegant for the vintage, with a silky, mouth-coating texture and superb concentration. Ripe Grenache fruit—strawberry compote, plum, and cherry—melds with notes of dried fig, black olive, cocoa, and a savory, gamey nuance that is very much in the Bonneau style. The tannins are fine and velvety but still present, giving structure without harshness, while the acidity is fresh enough to keep the wine vibrant rather than heavy. The finish is long, layered, and spicy, with echoes of dried flowers and warm earth. While already drinking beautifully, this 2013 has the stuffing to evolve further; expect a solid drinking window of at least another 8–12 years from now with proper cellaring, during which it will gain even more tertiary complexity.

Production
Cuvée Marie Beurrier is sourced primarily from old-vine Grenache planted in some of the finest parcels of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, including sites with a mix of galets roulés (large rounded stones), clay, and sandy soils that help regulate temperature and preserve finesse. The blend is dominated by Grenache, with small amounts of varieties such as Mourvèdre and possibly Counoise and Vaccarèse adding spice, structure, and aromatic lift. Harvesting is done by hand, with strict selection in the vineyard to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit is used. True to the late Henri Bonneau’s ultra-traditional philosophy, fermentation occurs in old concrete or neutral vessels with indigenous yeasts, followed by an extended élevage in very old, large oak foudres and barrels. There is minimal intervention, no aggressive filtration, and a focus on allowing the terroir and vintage to speak clearly through the wine.

Food & Serving
This 2013 Marie Beurrier is a superb partner for rich, savory dishes that can match its depth and complexity. Think slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary, duck confit, grilled venison, cassoulet, or hearty Provençal stews. It also shines with truffle-infused dishes, mushroom ragù, aged hard cheeses, and game birds with a herb crust. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F); if the wine is too warm, it can feel heavy, so a slight chill is beneficial. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving will help the wine fully open, soften the tannins, and release its layers of spice, garrigue, and dried fruit aromatics, especially at this stage of its evolution.

Producer
Henri Bonneau was one of the most legendary and traditional growers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a vigneron whose wines became cult classics long before “cult wine” was a common phrase. The family domaine is small, with a patchwork of old vines scattered across some of the appellation’s best sites, and production has always been extremely limited. Bonneau was renowned for his meticulous work in the vineyard, late harvesting for maximum ripeness, and extraordinarily long and patient aging in old barrels—practices that yielded wines of remarkable texture, depth, and individuality. In the Southern Rhône, the name Henri Bonneau is synonymous with authenticity and tradition, and cuvées like Marie Beurrier and Réserve des Célestins are considered benchmarks for profound, age-worthy Châteauneuf-du-Pape, sought after by serious enthusiasts around the world.

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