Domaine Henri Bonneau Les Rouliers NV - LOT 2022

Henri Bonneau’s Les Rouliers NV – Lot 2022 is one of those insider Rhône reds that serious wine lovers whisper about. Drawn largely from fruit around Châteauneuf-du-Pape and blended across vintages, it captures the soulful, old-school character that made Bonneau a legend. This non-vintage cuvée offers a rare and approachable glimpse into the style of one of the Rhône Valley’s most revered traditionalists, at a more accessible level than his iconic, long-aged bottlings.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Les Rouliers typically shows a deep ruby to garnet hue, with a touch of bricking at the rim reflecting its traditional élevage and multi-vintage nature. The nose is inviting and complex: warm red and black berries, macerated cherries, garrigue herbs, dried flowers and a gentle hint of leather, spice and sweet tobacco, often joined by subtle notes of licorice and earth. On the palate, this is a supple, textural Rhône red that leans on finesse rather than power. Expect a core of ripe Grenache-style fruit—think cherry compote, raspberry and plum—framed by soft but present tannins and a savory, almost gamey undercurrent. The finish is long and persistent, layered with dried thyme, pepper and that unmistakable southern Rhône warmth. While Les Rouliers is crafted for earlier drinking than Bonneau’s grand cuvées, it can comfortably evolve for several more years, gaining additional complexity and tertiary notes with short- to mid-term cellaring.

Production
Les Rouliers is sourced from parcels in the southern Rhône, with a strong Châteauneuf-du-Pape influence and a profile anchored in Grenache and complementary regional varieties. The terroir is classic for the area: sun-drenched vineyards, stony and sandy soils with the famous galets roulés in places, and the cleansing influence of the Mistral wind, all contributing to concentration and natural freshness. Harvest is carried out by hand, with careful selection in the vineyard to ensure only healthy, ripe bunches reach the cellar. True to Henri Bonneau’s philosophy, the winemaking is decidedly traditional: long fermentations in neutral vessels, extended aging in well-seasoned old foudres and barrels, and minimal intervention—often including bottling without aggressive filtration—to preserve texture, authenticity and the layered, savory complexity that defines the estate’s style.

Food & Serving
Les Rouliers is a natural partner for hearty, flavor-driven dishes. It pairs beautifully with slow-braised lamb shank, roast duck, grilled sausages, beef stews, cassoulet, or Provençal dishes rich in olive oil, tomato and herbs. It also works well with aged hard cheeses and rustic charcuterie. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both its fruit and savory nuances. A gentle decant of 30–60 minutes is recommended, especially for younger bottles, to let the wine open and soften, revealing its full aromatic spectrum and silky texture.

Producer
Henri Bonneau was one of the Rhône Valley’s most iconic and uncompromising artisans, a benchmark name in the traditional school of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Working in tiny quantities from old-vine parcels, he became famous for his long élevage, minimal-intervention approach and profoundly expressive, ageworthy reds that are now highly sought-after by collectors worldwide. From his modest, timeworn cellar, Bonneau crafted wines that embodied the essence of southern Rhône terroir, often released only when he felt they were ready rather than according to market schedules. His cuvées, including more accessible wines like Les Rouliers, have played a significant role in shaping the global reputation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and continue to stand as reference points for authenticity and character in the region.

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