The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition is a strong basic cuvee, offering superb black cherry and currant fruit intermixed with notions of licorice, spice box, and roasted herbs. Pure, deep, and full-bodied with sweet tannin as well as a generous, robust mouthfeel, it should drink well for 10-15 years. A bottle of 1978 Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf du Pape drunk recently was a revelation in its richness and intensity. Unquestionably this estate made some fabulous wines in the sixties and seventies (1967 was monumental in its first 10-15 years of life, but I have not had it in well over a decade). After a 10-15 year flirtation with a modern, commercial, insipid winemaking style, this estate has returned with a vengeance, producing some of the great wines of the appellation. However, they are clearly meant to be a progressive take on the qualities of Chateauneuf du Pape. Importer: Langdon Shiverick Inc, Los Angeles CA, 213 483-5900

Quite complex notes of grilled meat and herbs, enticing black fruits and minerals. Full bodied, delicious spicy black and red fruit. Impeccable balance.