Domaine Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Marie Beurrier 2017

Henri Bonneau’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Marie Beurrier 2017 is one of the Rhône’s most coveted and characterful wines, produced in tiny quantities from ancient, low-yielding vines. This cuvée sits between the domaine’s classic Châteauneuf and its legendary Réserve des Célestins, offering extraordinary depth, complexity and age-worthiness. Crafted in an uncompromisingly traditional style, it reflects both the singular vision of Henri Bonneau and the timeless soul of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Marie Beurrier shows a deep, glowing ruby core with garnet reflections, hinting at concentration and structure without heaviness. The nose is wonderfully expressive and layered: ripe red and black cherries, wild strawberries and macerated raspberries are intertwined with notes of garrigue (thyme, rosemary, lavender), dried rose petals, black olive, leather and a subtle gamey complexity. Gentle hints of licorice, tobacco and warm stones add further nuance as it opens. On the palate, this is both powerful and silken, with that hallmark Bonneau texture—rich yet almost weightless. Intense, sweetly ripe Grenache fruit leads, supported by darker notes of plum and blackberry, framed by fine, ripe tannins and a vibrant, savory spine. Flavors of dried herbs, pepper, graphite and cured meat emerge with air, giving the wine a profound, old-vine depth. The finish is very long, echoing with red fruit, spice and mineral notes. While already captivating with a proper decant, the 2017 has the structure and balance to evolve beautifully for 15–25 years from vintage, gaining further complexity and tertiary character over time.

Production
Cuvée Marie Beurrier is sourced from very old vines rooted in some of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s finest terroirs, combining classic galets roulés (large rounded stones) with limestone and sandy parcels that bring both power and finesse. Yields are notoriously low, with meticulous work in the vineyard and largely organic, minimalist farming practices, though not formally certified. Harvest is done entirely by hand, with rigorous selection of bunches in the vineyard and at the cellar door. Fermentation takes place in a traditional, slow manner—often with a high proportion of whole clusters—in concrete vats, extracting gently to preserve finesse over raw power. The blend is predominantly Grenache, complemented by small amounts of other permitted southern Rhône varieties such as Mourvèdre, Syrah and Counoise. The wine is then aged for an extended period in seasoned, large old foudres and smaller old barrels, allowing it to develop complexity and harmony without overt oak influence, before being bottled without aggressive filtration.

Food & Serving
This is a serious, contemplative Châteauneuf-du-Pape that shines alongside richly flavored, slow-cooked dishes. Think roast lamb with rosemary, daube de boeuf (Provencal beef stew), duck confit, braised short ribs, game birds, or herb-crusted pork. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes, truffle-infused plates, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and textural finesse. Decant generously—ideally 1.5–3 hours before serving in its youth—to allow the wine to fully open; older bottles should be decanted more gently and closer to service, mainly to separate from any sediment.

Producer
Henri Bonneau was one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most revered traditionalists, a vigneron whose wines have acquired near-mythical status among Rhône enthusiasts. The family domaine, based in the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône of France, has been cultivated by successive generations since the 19th century, but it was Henri who elevated it to global renown through his meticulous work in the vineyards and his refusal to compromise in the cellar. Known for his very low yields, extremely long élevage in old wood, and instinctive, artisanal approach, Bonneau crafted wines of great depth, longevity and singular personality. Today, the estate and its famed cuvées—especially Réserve des Célestins and Marie Beurrier—remain benchmarks for traditionally made Châteauneuf-du-Pape and are among the most sought-after bottlings in the region.

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