Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape 2017 (750ML)

95 WE / 93 WS / 92 JD / 92 JS / 92 VM

#6 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 2020

Whiffs of dried strawberry and cherry mingle into darker notes of smoke and spice in this perfumed blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. A luscious, voluminous sip, it floods the palate with primary cherry and raspberry flavors but also a crush of minerals, too. This readily approachable wine with fine, silky tannins should gain earthier complexities through 2030. - Anna Lee C. Iijima, Wine Enthusiast

Warm and lush, with dark plum, blackberry and raspberry compote flavors rolling through, wrapped in black licorice notes and carried by a light tarry edge on the finish. Enjoyable up front, but has the stuffing for cellaring. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035. 2,500 cases imported. - Wine Spectator

Starting with the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape (50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Counoise), it offers ruby/purple color as well as an incredibly polished, elegant, medium-bodied style as well as red plum and blueberry fruits intermixed with violets, spring flowers, and pepper. Seamless, silky, and polished on the palate, with fine tannins and perfect balance, readers could do much worse than to have a case of this in the cellar. - Jeb Dunnuck

A ripe, glossy and slightly honeyed nose with grilled-peach and apple-custard aromas. The palate has smooth, fleshy, textural build and a fresh, strong finish. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

Light brilliant violet. Pungent black and blue fruit, licorice and succulent herb aromas are complemented by subtle game and violet notes. Coats the palate with plush blueberry, cherry liqueur and fruitcake flavors sharpened by a late jolt of spicy white pepper. Round, sneaky tannins shape the finish, which lingers with strong, dark-berry-driven persistence. In an ample, generous style for an entry-level bottling, but entirely in keeping with this rich vintage. 75% concrete tanks and 15% demi-muids and barriques. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media