Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2021

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate calls them, “one of the most significant estates in Chateauneuf du Pape and one of the earliest to estate-bottle.” Since the 1980’s, when brother Michel and Jean Lançon took over, the estate has consistently produced some of the most powerful Chateauneuf in the appellation, due in part to their commitment to quality in the winery, but primarily to one huge advantage.

As the Wine Advocate also notes, “they have 75 acres, with most of it situated in the widely renowned rocky plateau in the eastern part of the sector known as La Crau.” This is the most famous plateau – just east of the village – where you’ve probably seen pictures of the galets roulés (or rounded rocks scattered throughout the vineyards).

This area is one of the warmest, sunniest spots in the region and as such the grapes ripen sooner and the Mourvedre ripens fully (often a problem in other locales). This gives the brothers ample time to let the grapes fully mature, with ample time for several passes through the vineyards to pick at optimum ripeness and results in bold, intricate & often spicy flavors.

Their newly released 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape is a total gem – a seamless blend of mainly Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah with a little Cinsault blended in. James Suckling couldn’t contain his excitement, getting much more wordy than he usually does. He led his review by calling the wine a “stunning Chateauneuf with stacks of ripe blackberry fruit, generous body and concentrated fine tannins” before commenting on the wine’s “stunning velvety texture” in his rave 94-point write up.