CDP Réserve des Célestins, Henri Bonneau 2009

I still remember tasting the the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins just after bottling (which, given the long elevage here, wasn't that long ago) and it's still open and sexy today, with that classic, incredible perfume that only seems to come from this estate. Kirsch, garrigue, new saddle leather, truffles and spice are just some of the nuances, and this ruby colored beauty is stacked on the palate, offering full-bodied richness, sweet tannin and a bombastic style that's reminiscent of the 1990. It's a heavenly wine that I suspect will have a long life and drink beautifully for all of it.

Even better, the 2009 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve des Célestins is similar to the Marie Beurrier, yet has additional concentration, mid-palate depth and sweet tannin. The balance here is superb, and it gains more and more structure with time in the glass. There’s plenty of similarities to the ’07 (and to a lesser extent, the 2011), and given this showing, it should have a broad drink window.