Domaine de la Solitude Domaine de la Solitude Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2024 750ml

This layered and substantial blend of 60% grenache, 20% syrah, 10% mourvedre, 5% counoise and 5% cinsault has class and character. Aromas of currants, red berries, dried wild herbs and some spices. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, ripe tannins. Pulpy fruit with good tension on the mid-palate and a long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

The deeper ruby-hued 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is based on 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest equal parts Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Counoise that was raised in concrete tank (90%) and new oak (10%). Wild strawberries, raspberries, spring flowers, and a kiss of black pepper define the aromatics, and this beauty hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, and integrated tannins. Its balance as well as its purity are spot on, and savvy readers should snatch this up. It's not going to make terribly old bones (and I don't suspect many 2022s will), but it's a gorgeous effort to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years.  (Jeb Dunnuck)

Very attractive nose of raspberries, licorice and oranges with a touch of summer flowers. Round and silky on the full-bodied palate, the ample tannins are beautifully integrated, making the long, refined finish velvety. A cuvee of 65% greanche, 20% syrah, and 5% each of mourvedre, counoise and cinsault from biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Vinified from certified organic grapes and checking in at 15.5% alcohol, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is gorgeous. Licorice, strawberry jam, raspberry, red cherry and meaty components are all nicely delineated. Touching the palate with loads of concentration and a juicy fruit core, the 2022 possesses a firm tannic structure, so I’d give it at least three more years in bottle. It was aged for 15 months in a combination of concrete tanks (90%) and new oak barriques (10%). (Nicolas Greinacher)

A fresh, attractive gush of cherry and plum shows beautiful lift, with a perfumy burst of dried lavender and gentle tannins, plus a tug of tar and roasted apple wood smoke. Elegance and finesse are the focuses in this highly drinkable version. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise. Drink now through 2035. 8,000 cases made, 2,200 cases imported.

The 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape from Domaine de la Solitude opens with a dense, slightly oaky bouquet of dark plums, licorice, dark berries and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied, sappy and enveloping, it’s a concentrated wine framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, spicy finish. The blend—60% Grenache Noir, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault and 5% Counoise—was matured for 15 months in a combination of 10% new oak and concrete tanks. This is a powerful, polished wine with a clear technical signature.

Coming from 50% galets roulés and 50% sandy safre soils, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape is based on 60% Grenache, 15% each Syrah and Mourvèdre, and 5% each Cinsault and Counoise. It was partially destemmed, vinified in concrete tanks, and aged 15 months in 90% concrete with 10% new French oak. Sweet red and black berry-like fruits intermix with peppery Provençal herbs, dried flowers, and spice. It's beautifully textured, medium-bodied, has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. This perfect example of both the quality of this estate and the style of the vintage has roughly 5,666 cases produced. Drink 2025-2033.

The 2023 Domaine de la Solitude is soft, fruity and quite accessible, yet it offers lovely complexity. Crushed flowers, mint, spice, new leather and cedar are some of the notes that open in the glass. This is very nicely done.