Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins 1988 Henri Bonneau

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (96)

Beginning to throw off its cloak of tannin and start its evolution is the 1988. A dark plum/ruby color is accompanied by a sweet perfume of mushrooms, tree bark, black cherries macerated in brandy, and the tell-tale beef blood, lavender, cedar, and tobacco aromas. This full-bodied, powerful yet structured Reserve des Celestins does not reveal the pure breadth and depth of flavor found in the 1989 and 1990, but comes across as a mature example of the 1995.

Jancis Robinson (19)

Deep blackish ruby with a brown rim and a bit muddy. A nutty note on the nose and a hint of lime peel. Smells much older than the 1989. Quite well tamed and dusty dry tannins. Losing a bit of fruit on the palate though the tannins are still fairly persistent. Less direct than Beaucastel 1983 tasted alongside. Vibrant.

BOW (9)