Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini 2019 (750ML)

97 DE / 96 JS / 94 JD / 94 WS

The Lançon family’s history at Domaine de la Solitude dates back to the 15th century, with 17th-century links to Tuscany and even Popes (Barberini was the family name of Pope Urban VIII). This cuvée, aged mainly in barrique for 18 months, is made up of old-vine parcels of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, grown on the high alluvial terraces around the domaine. Matt Walls: The sweet clove oak is quite forthright for now, but should settle into the wine in time, and adds some structured tannins. Long finish. Will be very good in time. Tanguy Martin: Explosive nose, bright and intense with mixed spices, savoury and fruity notes. Firm and crunchy style, with a big hit of sweet spices on the finish. David Round: Beautifully aromatic, refined nose, with raspberry, black pepper and vanilla. Purity and velvety texture, precision and persistence. Elegant.--Matt Walls, Decanter

A seriously exotic nose of pomegranate, coconut and black leaf tea. Very concentrated and polished on the expansive palate, with as much vitality as richness, this currently impresses most at the super-long, silky finish. Still very young with excellent aging potential. Drink or hold.—James Suckling

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Barberini is more dense and modern in style, with beautiful cassis and blackberry fruits as well as peppery herbs, white flowers, and spice. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, with a great texture, it’s another powerful yet fresh, balanced wine from this impeccably run estate. Give it a few years. Despite it’s more modern style, it stays firmly planted in the Southern Rhône. – Jeb Dunnuck

Seductive, with a mix of boysenberry, raspberry and fig preserve flavors laced with hints of anise, red tea and fruitcake. There's a nice underlying juiciness and a flash of tar through the finish. Rock solid. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2036. 600 cases made, 100 cases imported. - Wine Spectator