Châteauneuf Like No Other: The Legend of Henri Bonneau
"Bonneau’s Réserve des Célestins is his greatest wine, and unequivocally the single greatest wine made in Châteauneuf-du-Pape." - John Gilman
When it comes to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, few names command as much respect and mystique as Henri Bonneau. His legendary Réserve des Célestins is not just another great wine—it is an icon, a wine that transcends time and trends, known for its depth, complexity, and astonishing longevity.
With Henri Bonneau’s passing in 2016, his wines have become even more scarce and collectible, making bottles from his final vintages highly sought after. We are fortunate to offer two of his most remarkable and final releases—the 2009 and 2012 vintages of Réserve des Célestins.
For serious collectors and Rhône enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to own a piece of wine history. Both vintages showcase Bonneau’s unmatched ability to create wines that are both incredibly concentrated yet weightless, structured yet ethereal—an achievement few winemakers in the world can replicate.
The Man Behind the Myth – Henri Bonneau’s Unique Winemaking Philosophy
Henri Bonneau represented the 12th generation of winemakers in his family, dating back to 1667. Despite his historic lineage, his approach remained stubbornly traditional, often having more in common with 17th-century winemaking than modern enology.
His process was driven by instinct rather than technology, and the results were legendary—wines that combine power and finesse, with an uncanny ability to age for decades.
His Réserve des Célestins is his flagship cuvée, a wine that embodies the essence of old-school Châteauneuf-du-Pape—profound, structured, and meant to evolve over time.
Why Henri Bonneau’s Wines Are Legendary
Henri Bonneau’s approach to winemaking is one of pure intuition and tradition. Unlike modern winemakers obsessed with analytics, he relied on instinct, experience, and an almost mystical connection to his vines.
Here’s what makes his wines so extraordinary:
🍇 90% Grenache Mastery – While Châteauneuf-du-Pape allows 13 grape varieties, Bonneau championed Grenache, using it to craft bold, powerful wines with incredible aging potential.
🌍 Le Crau’s Historic Terroir – His old-vine Grenache comes primarily from the famous rock-strewn plateau of Le Crau, a site known for producing Châteauneuf’s ripest and most structured wines.
🔬 Traditional Winemaking, Minimal Intervention – Bonneau never de-stemmed his grapes, believing in whole-cluster fermentation for added structure. He aged his wines in a chaotic mix of neutral foudres, demi-muids, and pièces, some over 100 years old. The result? Wines of unparalleled depth, concentration, and finesse.
⏳ Patience & Precision – Unlike most winemakers who set aging timelines, Bonneau bottled only when he deemed a wine ready. Sometimes this meant holding vintages for over a decade in barrel, allowing the wine to develop remarkable complexity.
Owning a Piece of Rhône Valley History
Henri Bonneau’s Réserve des Célestins isn’t just a wine—it’s a cultural artifact that embodies the very soul of old-school Rhône winemaking. With his passing in 2016, these bottles are becoming increasingly scarce and collectible, making the 2009 and 2012 vintages must-haves for serious collectors.
🔥 Limited availability – secure your bottles before they disappear!