Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2016 Domaine de la Solitude

The Lancon family, owners of Domaine de la Solitude, descend directly from the 12th Century Barberini family of Rome. Maffeo Barberini, was a papal diplomatic representative, in Paris from 1604 to 1606, and was made Pope under the name Pope Urban VIII. Two of his nephews became cardinals and a part of the family then settled down in Avignon. In the 1980s, brothers Michel and Jean Lancon took the future of Domaine de la Solitude in their hands, focusing attention on the vineyards. Over the past several years, Michel’s son Florent Lancon has taken over the day-to-day operations of Domaine de la Solitude, continuing to make improvements while preserving the traditions of his father and uncle. The Domaine is located in the heart of the appellation, in the La Solitude lieu-dit, just on the western edge of the La Crau plateau.

This 2016 is 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 15% Mourvédre made as a selection of the best bunches picked and then sorted by hand on a sorting table. The grapes are crushed and destemmed and fall by gravity in concrete tanks. A portion are given long maceration with gentle extraction to allow tannins that are powerful and velvetine as the same time. 25 % of the wine is aged in barrels and demi-muids for 14 months.

James Suckling scored this 93 points saying "This has complex, rich and attractive style to it. Smooth grilled peaches and pears, honey and spicy oak. The palate delivers a rich array of flavors with plenty of stone fruits and nougat. Layered and even. Drink now."

Jeb Dunnuck also scored it 93 saying "Leading off the Châteauneuf-du-Papes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a gem that’s loaded with notions of ripe strawberries, kirsch, garrigue, and spice. It has everything in the right places, a layered, elegant profile, moderate tannins, and impeccable balance. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years."

and the Wine Advocate scored it 93 as well, saying "Savory notes of clove and leather add nuance to the rich fruit of the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape. It's full-bodied, creamy, lush, plump with red berries and stone fruit and remains fresh and fruit-driven through the long finish. It should drink well for a decade or more."