CDP Réserve des Célestins, Henri Bonneau 2008

Dramatically more concentrated and denser, the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins (probably) may turn out to be one of the wines of the vintage. Abundant notes of beef blood, grilled herbs, charcoal embers, figs and spice are all present in this full-bodied, surprisingly concentrated effort. It is unlikely to hit the market for at least 2-3 more years. The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins (probably) exhibits sweet fruit, high glycerin, a hefty wallop of alcohol and lots of garrigue, kirsch, pepper and beef blood characteristics, all presented in a full-bodied, opulent style. This is one vintage I wish Bonneau would bottle early, but that is not likely to happen.