Wine Spectator
Dark and winey, with steeped plum, black currant and blackberry fruit, coated with melted black licorice notes and backed by a tarry spine on the finish. A latent tug of dark earth keeps this grounded. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2022 through 2038
Josh Raynolds - Vinous
(60% demi-muids and _barriques and 40% concrete) Brilliant violet color. Powerful cherry liqueur and dark berry aromas are complicated by smoky mineral, incense and lavender flourishes and a hint of exotic spices develops with air. Juicy and concentrated on the palate, offering sappy blackberry, cherry compote and floral pastille flavors and a late touch of allspice. The impressively long, chewy finish features resonating floral and cherry notes and dusty tannins that emerge slowly and steadily. Drink 2026 - 2036.
Jeb Dunnuck
The more modern styled cuvée is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Barberini, which is 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah (18 months in 40% new oak) that’s an old-vine selection from more pebbly soils. Revealing a deep, saturated purple color as well as a Burgundian bouquet of black cherries, forest floor, ground herbs, and subtle oak, it's medium to full-bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and reveals no hard edges. Another thrilling wine from this estate that does everything right, the oak adverse out there will need to cellar bottles for 4-5 years, but I'd happily drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years.
Domaine de la Solitude
