Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve Secrete 2019 (750ML)

98 JS / 95 WS

#55 James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of France 2023
#73 James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of 2023

Here's a giant Chateauneuf that miraculously manages to remain vibrant and uplifting in spite of the enormous concentration and giant tannin structure. Just beginning to really open up, but it already has breathtaking aromas of savory, camphor, pine cones and wild blackberries. The finish goes on for minutes. A cuvee of century old vines of grenache (60%) and syrah (40%) from vineyards on sandy soil. Aged for 18 months in barrel, then aged for another year in foudre. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.--James Suckling

Sleek and inviting, with showy red plum, winey raspberry coulis and blackberry liberally layered with warm cedar and smoked vanilla bean. Boasts black pepper and crushed garrigue that bring freshness, succulent acidity and balance. This has great length and still needs time to unfurl its tightly coiled layers. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2024 through 2035. 150 cases made, 50 cases imported. - KB, Wine Spectator

This cuvée is the quintessence of our terroirs and know-how, and is produced solely in exceptional years. The Grenache grapes come from the oldest parcel of the “Domaine de la Solitude”, situated on the western slope leading up to the “La Crau” plateau, on a terroir of Safres. The Syrah grapes are grown in the cool, Safres terroir of “Les Blachières”. This flavoursome cuvée with a richly smooth texture is aged for 18 months, shared between barrels and vats, before being blended and left to age for another year in a large wooden vat called foudre.