Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude 2019 Wooden Case of 3 Bottles (7193)

Darren Harris

This is no lead footed Syrah dominant Chateauneuf-du-Pape! In fact the dominant grape variety is Counoise (30%). Counoise was born in the Rhone Valley. It was once highly favoured but over the last century, in the search for bigger wines, it fell out of favour and simply became one of the many permitted grape varieties blended in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Counoise is often used as a blending grape because the winemakers feel it adds black pepper, cassis and floral notes, along with high acidity, which gives the wines additional lift. Global warming has necessitated a rethink in the Rhone and Counoise seem to be the perfect grape for the 21^st century. It is elegant, floral and fresh - perhaps more like Pinot Noir than Grenache and particularly Syrah. Back to the wine itself! Stylish nose with flowers, small berries, spice, liquorice and a touch of garrigue. Pure. There is a lovely freshness and the aromatics are lifted by vibrant acidity. The grape varieties are co-fermented and there is added complexity from the 100% whole bunch. It is refined, stylish, more like Burgundy than a typical Chateauneuf in method, shape and style. Beautifully presented in an old-style bottle with matching label and wax seal which defines the domaine’s confidence in this “old fashioned for the new millennium cuvee”.

Wine Spectator

Very seductive, with a silky-textured core of pure, distilled raspberry essence that just won't quit as this stretches out through a gorgeous red tea, sandalwood, garrigue and floral-accented finish. Lingering minerality adds length too. Super-refined version. Counoise, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. Drink now through 2036. 

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Vin De La Solitude is an interesting blend of 30% Counoise, 22% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, and the rest Clairette (both Rosé and Blanc), Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Picpoul. Reminding me of a Grand Cru Red Burgundy with its finesse and elegance, it has a great perfume of red and black fruits as well as notes of peppery garrigue, chocolate, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, ultra-fine, seamless, and just thrilling stuff, I wouldn’t push the aging curve too much, but see no reason it won’t deliver the goods for at least a decade.
One of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf du Pape and run by the Lançon family, Domaine de la Solitude covers over 80 acres of prime real estate in the la Solitude lieu-dit, which borders the famed La Crau lieu-dit and is in the center of the appellation. The wines today are made by the talented Florent Lançon, and they produce up to five reds and three white Châteauneuf du Papes in any vintage. The estate doesn’t like to submit barrel samples, so I wasn’t able to look at any of the 2020s, but unquestionably, 2019 is a great vintage at this address.