Bonneau Henri CDP Marie Beurrier 1992

The 1992 Chateauneuf du Pape Marie Beurrier is just short of outstanding. This wine carries even higher alcohol than the 1992 Reserve des Celestins, as well as copious quantities of sweet, jammy, over-ripe black cherries intermingled with earth, truffles, pepper, and fruitcake-like aromas. Chewy, lush, and supple, this spice-driven Chateauneuf should drink well for at least a decade.

Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

P.S. Many readers, realizing I reached a landmark this summer (I turned 50), wanted to know the wines I decided to drink on my birthday. Sixty percent of the wines I served were Chateauneuf du Pape 1988, 1989, and 1990 Reserve des Celestins. The other forty percent came from Chateau Rayas, the 1988 and 1990. In short, it was a 100% Chateauneuf du Pape celebration except for some gorgeous 1982 Krug I used to rinse my mouth out before drinking these sumptuous red wines.

• Note Robert Parker : 89/100
• Note Wine Spectator : 93/100