2019 Domaine de la Solitude Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Secrète
Region: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley
Country: France
Grapes: 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
Vintage: 2019
ABV: 15%
Vivino: 4.5
Drink By: 2035
Occasional Wine Note: This wine made James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of the World 2023 and it's easy to see why. This is a big Grenache and Syrah blend with beautiful ripe dark fruits, vanilla, spice, great tannin structure, and earthy undertones. What a package!
James Suckling
Critic Score: 98
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.
Wine Spectator
Critic Score: 95
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.