In this video, I share seven bottles from my cellar — across multiple vintages — that have consistently impressed me over the years.
From legendary producers like Beaucastel and Henri Bonneau to benchmark estates such as Clos des Papes, Vieille Julienne, and Clos Saint-Jean, these wines show the full spectrum of what Châteauneuf-du-Pape can achieve: richness, structure, elegance, and remarkable ageing potential.
🍷 Wines featured from my cellar:
00:00 Intro
00:34 The history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
02:14 Château de Beaucastel — Hommage à Jacques Perrin 2011
03:48 Henri Bonneau — Réserve des Célestins 2012
04:53 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne — Réservé 2012
05:53 Clos des Papes 2010
06:51 Domaine de la Solitude — Cornelia Constanza 2018
07:44 Clos du Mont-Olivet — Cuvée du Papet 2016
08:45 Clos Saint-Jean — La Combe des Fous 2016
09:49My Absolute Favourites & Final Thoughts
For each wine, I look at:
– The estate’s history and philosophy
– Vineyard sources and blends
– And How the wine is evolving
If you enjoy thoughtful Rhône content focused on ageing potential, producer style, and real cellar experience, consider subscribing.
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https://www.instagram.com/winebeast/
Let me know in the comments — which Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer do you admire most?
Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one.
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DISCLAIMER: The views shared here reflect my personal experience and perspective as a long-time wine enthusiast. This content is for information and enjoyment only, and should not be considered financial, investment, or purchasing advice. Drink responsibly.
4 Comments
Very interesting video, thanks. Although I have tried multiple times ChDP they have never been a favourite of mine. In my cellar at the present timeI only have 2 bottles of ChDP, impresive if my cellar is a little over 1,000 bottles right now. I also have tried many times Cornas and also I dont like it at all as I find the flavors like burnt rubber or tire. I am a fan of cab sauv, maybe 85% of my cellar is either cab sauv or a blend, the rest are Pomerols.
I am totally committed to CdP and currently have a dozen, two of which La Combe des Fous ('22) and the Cornelia Constanza cuvee ('19). Of the two wineries I also purchased the Deus ex Machina (also '22) and the Reserve Secrete ('21).
What I am looking forward to do is to blindly compare the different vinification choices and vineyards; things you also always address while introducing a bottle.
I personally found the alcohol and tannins the of '15 Combe des Fous to be far better integrated than the '16 cuvee du Papet, which was very warm and powerful, but sort of lacking precision and persistency on the finish.
Still a very good bottle, but not on the same level of precision and finess of the first one.
I can't wait to open all the other ones and see where my nose and palate take me😜
It would also be interesting to see what you think of some Gigondas special cuvees. I am a sucker for the Clos Derriere Vieille (the first bottle didn't perform quite as great as the second one).
Keep up the great content😉
Amen! Clos Saint-Jean is exceptional. I have a slight preference for Deus Ex Machina, though. But both are wonderful. Even their "entry" Châteauneuf is a delight.
I wish I had a cave like this gosh. I'm french myself but never had the financial opportunity to reach those domaines even though I have tried thousands of good 15/20e wines. Mourvèdre and Grenache are one of my favorite cépages by the way.