Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone Wine, Complete Guide

Domaine de la Solitude

Learn everything about Domaine de la Solitude Lancon Pere et Fils with wine tasting notes, wine and food pairing tips, best vintages, a history of the property and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important wineries and wine makers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles

Domaine de la Solitude History, Overview

Domaine de la Solitude has one of the longest histories in the Rhone Valley. The Barberini family who founded the estate can trace their roots in Chateauneuf du Pape back to the 1604. Before that, the family was well known in their native land of Italy.

They were quite an established, or should I say famous family as far back as the 13th century. In fact, Maffeo Barberini became the Pope, using the name of Urbain VIII. Two of the nephews of Maffeo Barberini became Cardinals and moved to Avignon.

Perhaps that move was due to issues related to loud accusations about destroying historic monuments so the materials could be used to create, new, palatial estates and palaces for their personal use. But what is important for us is, that move to Avignon led the family to a career making wine in Chateauneuf du Pape!

From there, through marriage and a dowry, what we know of today as Domaine de la Solitude was born. The estate took its name from the La Solitude lieu-dit, which is where much of their vineyards are planted.

Domaine de la Solitude was one of the larger vineyards in the region by the mid to late 1800’s. At the time, the wine was produced and sold under the name of Vin de la Solitude.

It took a few hundred years, but by 1900, the Southern Rhone Valley estate had become so popular, they began to produce, sell and bottle their own wine.

The modern era for Domaine de la Solitude began in the 1970’s when a direct descendant through marriage, Pierre Lancon began managing the estate. That tradition continues today, as the estate is managed today by his children, Michel Lancon and Jean Lancon.

Domaine de la Solitude Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking

Domaine de la Solitude owns 35 hectares of vines in Chateauneuf du Pape. 30 hectares are devoted to the production of red wine and 5 hectares are used for growing grapes used to make their white Chateauneuf du Pape wine.

All 35 hectares are located in the La Solitude lieu dit, which is next to La Crau. The vines are planted in a terroir of sand, loam, clay and rocky soils. Domaine de la Solitude has old vines. In fact, their oldest parcel of Grenache vines are more than 100 years old.

In 1985, Domaine de la Solitude made changes in their approach to wine making. They replaced their old foudres with concrete vats and stainless steel tanks.

In 1996, they renovated their winemaking facilities again and began experimenting with using some new, French oak barrels as well for the aging process. In 1999, Domaine de la Solitude expanded their output, launching new labels. Cuvee Barberini made its debut in 1999 and the Reserve Secret was launched with the 2000 vintage.

To produce the wine of Domaine de la Solitude, the grapes are partially destemmed. Vinification takes place in 150 hectoliter vats. Malolactic fermentation occurs in French oak barrels.

The parcels and grape varieties are each vinified separately. Depending on the grape, Domaine de la Solitude will ferment in concrete vats, stainless steel tanks or resin vats. On average, up to 10% of the wines can be aged in a portion of new, French oak barrels.

The best vintages of Domaine de la Solitude are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001 and 2000.

Domaine de la Solitude produces 5 red Chateauneuf du Pape wines and 2 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc wines.

Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape – From a blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault. The wine is aged in tank and a combination of new and used French oak barrels for 16 months. Production is close to 8,500 cases per year.

Domaine de la Solitude Reserve Secrete – The blend for this wine varies, depending on the vintage, on average, it’s 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. However, in some vintages, Mourvedre is also used as part of the blend. The wine made its debut with the 2000 vintage.

The terroir is pure sandy soil with vines planted in the La Crau and Blachières lieux-dits. The wine is aged in a combination of new French oak barrels that range from 30% to 60% of the wine, while the remainder of the production is aged in foudre and tank for about 16 months. Only 250 cases are made each year.

Domaine de la Solitude Cuvee Barberini – The wine was first made in the 1999 vintage. The name of the wine is a tribute to the original founders of the estate, the Barberini family. The wine is made by blending 45% Grenache and 45% Syrah with 10% Mourvedre, although that can vary widely.

The wine comes from a terroir of rock and stone soils. 30% of the wine is aged in new, French oak barrels. The remainder of the wine is aged in tank for 18 months. The total production is close to 250 cases per year.

Domaine de la Solitude Cuvee Cornelia Constanza made its debut in 2005. The name of the wine was chosen to honor an ancestor of the family, Cornelia Constanza Barberini. The wine is produced from 100% old vine Grenache. The vines are in a terroir of 100% sandy soil in the La Crau vineyard.

The vines used for this wine are all more than 80 years of age. For the aging of the wine, 30% of the wine is aged in new, French oak barrels and the remainder is aged in vat and foudre for about 15 months. The production is on average 250 cases per vintage.

Domaine de la Solitude Vin de la Solitude

Vin de la Solitude was introduced in the 2016 vintage. This special cuvee is a hommage to the founder of the estate, Paul Martin, who was one of the first vignerons to produce, bottle and sell their own wine. At the time, the estate was selling their wine under the name of Vin de la Solitude, hence the name of this special hommage. The antique bottle shape and the label is also a reproduction of the original 18th century bottling.

In fact, the blend is also an approximation of the wine produced in the 18th century using a unique assemblage of 30% Counoise, 25% old vine Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 5% Roussanne and various smaller percentages of Clairette Rose’and Grenache Blanc.

Produced from yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare or less, the grapes are whole cluster fermented. The wine is macerated for up to 80 days in wood vats and is aged for an average of 18 months in French oak barrels.

Very little Vin de la Solitude is produced. In fact the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums per year and is only made in select vintages.

Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is made from 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 25% Roussanne and 15% Bourboulenc. Production is close to 900 cases per year.

Domaine de la Solitude Cuvee Barberini Blanc – 80% Roussanne and 20% Clairette. On average the production is close to 250 cases per year.

When to Drink Domaine de la Solitude, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Domaine de la Solitude can be enjoyed on the young side. Young vintages can be popped and poured, or decanted for between 1-2 hours allowing the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Domaine de la Solitude is usually better with 3-5 years of bottle age. Of course that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. In the best vintages the wine should be consumed within 4-15 years after the vintage.

Serving Domaine de la Solitude with Wine, Food Pairing Tips

Domaine de la Solitude is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Domaine de la Solitude is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed dishes, sausage, barbecue and cassoulet. Domaine de la Solitude is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, cheese, pasta, eggplant and tomatoes.

The white wine of Domaine de la Solitude is best served with a myriad of different seafood dishes, shellfish, crab, lobster, sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork and veal, as well as Asian cuisine.

Domaine de la Solitude also owns 65 hectares of vineyards in the Cotes du Rhone appellation where they produce red, white and rose’ wine.

www.domaine-solitude.com

Domaine de la Solitude (Lançon Père et Fils) Wine Tasting Notes

35 Vintages 59,049 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2021
94
Spicy, smoky, and leafy, with peppery red fruits in the nose, the wine is soft, elegant, fruity, fresh, and easy-to-like. There is vibrancy to the red fruits, lift, and sweetness, with a lush, mildly creamy texture on the mid-palate that carries through to the finish. Not much wine is made. And, the wine is only produced in specific vintages. It's not easy to find, as the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums. The wine is made from a blend used at the estate in the 18th century, 25% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 22% Counoise, 20% Mourvedre, 7% Cinsault, 3% Clairette, 2% Bourboulenc, and the remainder coming from Clairette Rose, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc. Drink from 2024-2034.

Spicy, smoky, and leafy, with peppery red fruits in the nose, the wine is soft, elegant, fruity, fresh, and easy-to-like. There is vibrancy to the red fruits, lift, and sweetness, with a lush, mildly creamy texture on the mid-palate that carries through to the finish. Not much wine is made. And, the wine is only produced in specific vintages. It's not easy to find, as the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums. The wine is made from a blend used at the estate in the 18th century, 25% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 22% Counoise, 20% Mourvedre, 7% Cinsault, 3% Clairette, 2% Bourboulenc, and the remainder coming from Clairette Rose, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc. Drink from 2024-2034.

234 Views   Tasted
2021
93
Cinnamon, incense, flowers, black raspberries, kirsch, and red plum aromas are what you initially notice. The wine is sweet vibrant, elegant, round, and creamy with lift, and layers of sweet, ripe, red fruits on the backend. The wine is produced from 100% old vine Grenache from vines that are more than 100 years of age. The production is small with an average of 3,000 bottle per vintage. Drink from 2024-2032.

Cinnamon, incense, flowers, black raspberries, kirsch, and red plum aromas are what you initially notice. The wine is sweet vibrant, elegant, round, and creamy with lift, and layers of sweet, ripe, red fruits on the backend. The wine is produced from 100% old vine Grenache from vines that are more than 100 years of age. The production is small with an average of 3,000 bottle per vintage. Drink from 2024-2032.

244 Views   Tasted
2021
91
Flowers, and cherry notes with a hint of fennel bulb define the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, fresh, refined, and on the strawberry side of the style range. The red berry finish is accompanied by peppery spices, and herbs on the backend. This will drink great on release. The wine blends 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mouverdre, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Counoise. Drink from 2024 - 2029.

Flowers, and cherry notes with a hint of fennel bulb define the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, fresh, refined, and on the strawberry side of the style range. The red berry finish is accompanied by peppery spices, and herbs on the backend. This will drink great on release. The wine blends 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mouverdre, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Counoise. Drink from 2024 - 2029.

351 Views   Tasted
2021
91
Strawberry, smoke, pepper, and herbs open the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied, soft, forward, and fresh with an elegantly-styled, mid-palate, and finish loaded with sweet, ripe, soft-textured kirsch. Made from a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah. Drink from 2024 - 2031.

Strawberry, smoke, pepper, and herbs open the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied, soft, forward, and fresh with an elegantly-styled, mid-palate, and finish loaded with sweet, ripe, soft-textured kirsch. Made from a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah. Drink from 2024 - 2031.

250 Views   Tasted
2020
93
Dark ruby in color, the wine shows a nice peppery edge to the kirsch and black cherries on the nose and palate. Round, lush, as well as tannic and spicy, give it a year or two in the bottle and it will be a much better wine. Made from a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah. Drink from 2024 - 2035

Dark ruby in color, the wine shows a nice peppery edge to the kirsch and black cherries on the nose and palate. Round, lush, as well as tannic and spicy, give it a year or two in the bottle and it will be a much better wine. Made from a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah. Drink from 2024 - 2035

689 Views   Tasted
2020
93
Incense, spice box, smoke, pepper, flowers, and red fruits create the complex aromatics. The palate retains a touch of oak, along with an exotic texture and spicy nuance to the fruit. It's a unique styled wine that will need a few years to develop and integrate. It's not going to be easy to find as the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums. The wine is made from a blend used at the estate in the 18th century, with an antique shaped bottle to match: 24% Counoise, 22% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 19% Cinsault, 7% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, and assorted varietals. Drink from 2024 - 2035..

Incense, spice box, smoke, pepper, flowers, and red fruits create the complex aromatics. The palate retains a touch of oak, along with an exotic texture and spicy nuance to the fruit. It's a unique styled wine that will need a few years to develop and integrate. It's not going to be easy to find as the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums. The wine is made from a blend used at the estate in the 18th century, with an antique shaped bottle to match: 24% Counoise, 22% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 19% Cinsault, 7% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, and assorted varietals. Drink from 2024 - 2035..

702 Views   Tasted
2020
92
Medium-bodied, with a hint of oak that comes along with all of its dark red fruits, the wine is round, lush and polished with a touch of cocoa on top of all the dark, sweet, red fruits on the nose, palate and in the finish. The wine is produced from 100% old vine Grenache. Drink from 2023 - 2033

Medium-bodied, with a hint of oak that comes along with all of its dark red fruits, the wine is round, lush and polished with a touch of cocoa on top of all the dark, sweet, red fruits on the nose, palate and in the finish. The wine is produced from 100% old vine Grenache. Drink from 2023 - 2033

669 Views   Tasted
2020
90
Blending 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mouverdre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Counoise, the wine is medium bodied, floral and fresh with accents of espresso, wet earth, tobacco and herbs. Refined and fresh with a softness to the sweet, vibrant red berries, this will drink great on release. Drink from 2022 - 2028

Blending 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mouverdre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Counoise, the wine is medium bodied, floral and fresh with accents of espresso, wet earth, tobacco and herbs. Refined and fresh with a softness to the sweet, vibrant red berries, this will drink great on release. Drink from 2022 - 2028

812 Views   Tasted
2019
95
Ripe, fleshy, soft and loaded with juicy, peppery fruit, fresh spring flowers come through on the nose. On the palate the wine is round, ripe and expressive with a dusty, earthy quality that adds complexity to the peppery fruits, herbs and olives. There is fabulous intensity in the finish that lingers. The wine made from 100% old vine Grenache, and when I say old, all the vines are more than 100 years of age. Drink from 2024 - 2038

Ripe, fleshy, soft and loaded with juicy, peppery fruit, fresh spring flowers come through on the nose. On the palate the wine is round, ripe and expressive with a dusty, earthy quality that adds complexity to the peppery fruits, herbs and olives. There is fabulous intensity in the finish that lingers. The wine made from 100% old vine Grenache, and when I say old, all the vines are more than 100 years of age. Drink from 2024 - 2038

1,774 Views   Tasted
2019
93
The nose starts off with a hint of oak which is almost buried underneath all the sweet, red fruits on the nose. On the palate. the wine is soft, sweet, elegant and refined, leaving you with a gorgeous sense of purity and refinement, which is perfect for all that ripe, fresh kirsch. It's not going to be easy to find as the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums. The wine is made from a blend used at the estate in the 18th century, 30% Counoise, 25% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 5% Roussanne and the remainder coming from Clairette Rose and Grenache Blanc and is only available in an antique shaped bottle. Drink from 2024 - 2036

The nose starts off with a hint of oak which is almost buried underneath all the sweet, red fruits on the nose. On the palate. the wine is soft, sweet, elegant and refined, leaving you with a gorgeous sense of purity and refinement, which is perfect for all that ripe, fresh kirsch. It's not going to be easy to find as the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums. The wine is made from a blend used at the estate in the 18th century, 30% Counoise, 25% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 5% Roussanne and the remainder coming from Clairette Rose and Grenache Blanc and is only available in an antique shaped bottle. Drink from 2024 - 2036

1,476 Views   Tasted
2019
93
Flowers, peaches, herbs and spice join up with loads of yellow citrus fruits to create a medium-bodied, lively. bright, lush, fresh, yellow citrus oriented wine with a touch of spice, nuts and white peach in the finish. The wine blends 80% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc and 10% Clairette. Drink from 2022 - 2030

Flowers, peaches, herbs and spice join up with loads of yellow citrus fruits to create a medium-bodied, lively. bright, lush, fresh, yellow citrus oriented wine with a touch of spice, nuts and white peach in the finish. The wine blends 80% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc and 10% Clairette. Drink from 2022 - 2030

1,491 Views   Tasted
2019
93
Spicy, vibrant and loaded with sweet, black, red and white cherries, with a blast of black peppery goodness, the wine is fresh, long, bright and earthy. Made from a blend of 45% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, give this a few years in the cellar to come around. Drink from 2024 - 2035

Spicy, vibrant and loaded with sweet, black, red and white cherries, with a blast of black peppery goodness, the wine is fresh, long, bright and earthy. Made from a blend of 45% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, give this a few years in the cellar to come around. Drink from 2024 - 2035

1,281 Views   Tasted
2019
91
Forward, medium bodied, silky, soft and fresh with a core of vibrant red berries, flowers and herbs from start to finish. This will drink great on release. Drink from 2022 - 2029

Forward, medium bodied, silky, soft and fresh with a core of vibrant red berries, flowers and herbs from start to finish. This will drink great on release. Drink from 2022 - 2029

1,547 Views   Tasted
2019
91
Honeysuckle, vanilla, citrus, white peach and toast make up the perfume. On the palate, the wine is fresh, lush, round, fruity and crisp. The wine is made from a blend of 20% Grenache Blanc, 40% Roussanne, 20% Bourboulenc and 30% Clairette with other assorted varieties. Drink from 2022 - 2028

Honeysuckle, vanilla, citrus, white peach and toast make up the perfume. On the palate, the wine is fresh, lush, round, fruity and crisp. The wine is made from a blend of 20% Grenache Blanc, 40% Roussanne, 20% Bourboulenc and 30% Clairette with other assorted varieties. Drink from 2022 - 2028

1,385 Views   Tasted
2018
95
Floral, fresh and pure, the wine pops the moment it hits your glass. The complex nose, with its slight hint of espresso and smoke moves quickly to its floral side before hitting on its sweet red fruits. Round, juicy, spicy and fat, with a richness to all the peppery kirsch, give it a few years to fully integrate the wood and it will be an even better wine. The wine made from 100% old vine Grenache, and when I say old, all the vines are more than 100 years of age. This is one of the stars of the vintage.

Floral, fresh and pure, the wine pops the moment it hits your glass. The complex nose, with its slight hint of espresso and smoke moves quickly to its floral side before hitting on its sweet red fruits. Round, juicy, spicy and fat, with a richness to all the peppery kirsch, give it a few years to fully integrate the wood and it will be an even better wine. The wine made from 100% old vine Grenache, and when I say old, all the vines are more than 100 years of age. This is one of the stars of the vintage.

1,165 Views   Tasted
2018
93
From an interesting blend that includes a large percentage of white wine grape varietals, the wine is surprisingly deeply colored. On the nose you find flowers, spice box and peppery black raspberries. Fresh, bright and juicy with loads of sweet kirsch and herbs on the rounded, fleshy palate seals the deal.

From an interesting blend that includes a large percentage of white wine grape varietals, the wine is surprisingly deeply colored. On the nose you find flowers, spice box and peppery black raspberries. Fresh, bright and juicy with loads of sweet kirsch and herbs on the rounded, fleshy palate seals the deal.

1,657 Views   Tasted
2018
91
Medium bodied, with a mineral edge to the sweet, ripe, juicy, ripe, fresh cherries, Soft, round and polished, with an elegant, medium-bodied refined, silky finish, this is already quite nice.

Medium bodied, with a mineral edge to the sweet, ripe, juicy, ripe, fresh cherries, Soft, round and polished, with an elegant, medium-bodied refined, silky finish, this is already quite nice.

2,308 Views   Tasted
2017
95
Dark in color, the wine is floral, herbal, spicy, full, rich and deep. The wine is fruity, fresh and expresses itself on the nose and in the mouth, with a lush palate feel. This is only the second time this wine has been produced. It's not going to be easy to find as the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums. The wine is made from a blend used at the estate in the 18th century, 30% Counoise, 25% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 5% Roussanne and the remainder coming from Clairette Rose and Grenache Blanc and is only available in an antique shaped bottle.

Dark in color, the wine is floral, herbal, spicy, full, rich and deep. The wine is fruity, fresh and expresses itself on the nose and in the mouth, with a lush palate feel. This is only the second time this wine has been produced. It's not going to be easy to find as the production is limited to less than 1,000 bottles and 100 magnums. The wine is made from a blend used at the estate in the 18th century, 30% Counoise, 25% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 5% Roussanne and the remainder coming from Clairette Rose and Grenache Blanc and is only available in an antique shaped bottle.

2,477 Views   Tasted
2017
94
Made from 100% old vine Grenache, and when I say old, all the vines are more than 100 years of age. The wine pops with spring flowers, kirsch, raspberries, red plums and a hint of smoke and espresso bean. Elegant, round and earthy, there is a nice peppery pop to the sweet red fruits in the finish. It will take a few years for the oak to fully integrate into the wine.

Made from 100% old vine Grenache, and when I say old, all the vines are more than 100 years of age. The wine pops with spring flowers, kirsch, raspberries, red plums and a hint of smoke and espresso bean. Elegant, round and earthy, there is a nice peppery pop to the sweet red fruits in the finish. It will take a few years for the oak to fully integrate into the wine.

2,671 Views   Tasted
2017
93
With a good depth of color, the wine is bright, fresh, juicy earthy and filled with an assortment of sweet, peppery cherries, herbs, smoke and earthy nuances. Made from a blend of 45% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, give this a few years in the cellar to come around.

With a good depth of color, the wine is bright, fresh, juicy earthy and filled with an assortment of sweet, peppery cherries, herbs, smoke and earthy nuances. Made from a blend of 45% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, give this a few years in the cellar to come around.

2,478 Views   Tasted
2017
91
Medium bodied, with a lean to the floral side, the wine is made better by the wild red berries, spice and fresh cherries. Medium-bodied, elegant, refined and silky, the fruit has a very nice peppery note in the Grenache based finish.

Medium bodied, with a lean to the floral side, the wine is made better by the wild red berries, spice and fresh cherries. Medium-bodied, elegant, refined and silky, the fruit has a very nice peppery note in the Grenache based finish.

2,283 Views   Tasted
2016
92
Medium bodied, elegant, soft, silky polished and fresh, the fruit is ripe, there is a refinement and purity here. With its abundance of sweet, ripe, cherries, this is already just great to taste today.

Medium bodied, elegant, soft, silky polished and fresh, the fruit is ripe, there is a refinement and purity here. With its abundance of sweet, ripe, cherries, this is already just great to taste today.

2,943 Views   Tasted
2015
94
Full bodied, silky, luscious, fat, rich textures and red berries galore are impossible to ignore. The wine builds and leaves you with sweet, polished fruits and herbs, with the perfect, peppery hint, that just keeps on going.

Full bodied, silky, luscious, fat, rich textures and red berries galore are impossible to ignore. The wine builds and leaves you with sweet, polished fruits and herbs, with the perfect, peppery hint, that just keeps on going.

1,719 Views   Tasted
2015
93
Smoke, earth, flowers, licorice and coffee notes work perfectly with the kirsch and cherry that follows. Soft, silky, rich and refined, there is weight and depth, with a polish to the texture that keeps you focused on what's in your glass.

Smoke, earth, flowers, licorice and coffee notes work perfectly with the kirsch and cherry that follows. Soft, silky, rich and refined, there is weight and depth, with a polish to the texture that keeps you focused on what's in your glass.

2,269 Views   Tasted
2015
92
With a smoky, floral start, the wine moves to the sweet, lush cherry side, which is just what hits the spot. Round and polished in texture, this just feels and tastes great.

With a smoky, floral start, the wine moves to the sweet, lush cherry side, which is just what hits the spot. Round and polished in texture, this just feels and tastes great.

2,727 Views   Tasted
2015
89
Forward, with light, sweet, fresh red berries to start, the earth and herb notes add a lot here. Drink this baby young for all its sweetness and up-front, sweet, juicy kirsch.

Forward, with light, sweet, fresh red berries to start, the earth and herb notes add a lot here. Drink this baby young for all its sweetness and up-front, sweet, juicy kirsch.

2,091 Views   Tasted
2014
90
Medium bodied, elegant, fresh, kirsch and juicy, spicy red, silky fruits are all over the place. Forward in style, this is already open and delivering its pleasures.

Medium bodied, elegant, fresh, kirsch and juicy, spicy red, silky fruits are all over the place. Forward in style, this is already open and delivering its pleasures.

1,358 Views   Tasted
2014
88
Light, fresh, forward, silky, open, and dominated by all the sweet kirsch that fills the wine in the nose and on the palate, this will be best tasted on the young side. It is not a wine for long term aging.

Light, fresh, forward, silky, open, and dominated by all the sweet kirsch that fills the wine in the nose and on the palate, this will be best tasted on the young side. It is not a wine for long term aging.

1,699 Views   Tasted
2012
90
Long, fresh, spicy, ripe and sensuous, with depth a flavor on the long finish. Slightly modern in style, but I liked it.

Long, fresh, spicy, ripe and sensuous, with depth a flavor on the long finish. Slightly modern in style, but I liked it.

1,707 Views   Tasted
2012
89
Garrigue and kirsch pop with little effort. This is made even better with the supple textured, peppery cherries in the finish.

Garrigue and kirsch pop with little effort. This is made even better with the supple textured, peppery cherries in the finish.

1,714 Views   Tasted
2010
95
After the initial blast of vanilla and coffee in the nose, the wine moves to licorice, jammy berries, earth, herbs and spice. Silky, elegant and supple on the showy palate, this is an outstanding, modern styled Chateauneuf du Pape.

After the initial blast of vanilla and coffee in the nose, the wine moves to licorice, jammy berries, earth, herbs and spice. Silky, elegant and supple on the showy palate, this is an outstanding, modern styled Chateauneuf du Pape.

2,644 Views   Tasted
2010
92
Rich, fat jammy berries with lush textures end with a sweet, tasty, mouthful of juicy, ripe, black cherry liqueur. This modern styled wine is already showing great.

Rich, fat jammy berries with lush textures end with a sweet, tasty, mouthful of juicy, ripe, black cherry liqueur. This modern styled wine is already showing great.

2,482 Views   Tasted
2009
95
Rich, concentrated, fleshy and deep, the wine is full bodied, with polished tannins and rich textures. On the palate, there is depth of flavor, finishing with a melange of dark red fruits, spice, earth and licorice. The wine was made from blending 65% old vine Grenache with 35% Syrah.

Rich, concentrated, fleshy and deep, the wine is full bodied, with polished tannins and rich textures. On the palate, there is depth of flavor, finishing with a melange of dark red fruits, spice, earth and licorice. The wine was made from blending 65% old vine Grenache with 35% Syrah.

2,985 Views   Tasted
2009
93
Round, lush, concentrated, ripe and delicious, the black raspberry, kirsch, thyme, earth and spicy personalty really shine. Produced from 100% old vine Grenache, the finish feels great and leaves you with a lasting impression of ripe red berries.

Round, lush, concentrated, ripe and delicious, the black raspberry, kirsch, thyme, earth and spicy personalty really shine. Produced from 100% old vine Grenache, the finish feels great and leaves you with a lasting impression of ripe red berries.

2,292 Views   Tasted
2001
92
Fully-mature, this blend of about equal parts Grenache and Syrah offers, spicy, thyme infused, red fruits, licorice and kirsch all the way through. Still holding on to its intensity, the wine is rich, but not flashy.

Fully-mature, this blend of about equal parts Grenache and Syrah offers, spicy, thyme infused, red fruits, licorice and kirsch all the way through. Still holding on to its intensity, the wine is rich, but not flashy.

2,475 Views   Tasted