The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is an old style, classic Chateauneuf revealing lavender, licorice, roasted herb, meat juice, black currant, and kirsch liqueur characteristics. It is full-bodied, dense, concentrated, heady, and expressive. Already displaying considerable complexity as well as accessibility, it should easily last 12-15 years. Readers would be hard-pressed to find a better portfolio of 2006 Chateauneuf du Papes than this one produced by the Lancon family at Domaine de la Solitude. This historic Chateauneuf du Pape estate went through a period of mediocrity, but recently, spectacular wines have been created from their sensational old vine holdings throughout the appellation. There are now four cuvees, with the regular Chateauneuf du Pape a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, and the balance Mourvedre, aged 80% in tank and 20% in barrel. The Cuvee Barberini is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged in tank (65%) and small barrels (35%). As for the Reserve Secrete, it is 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah aged in small barrels (60%) and tank (40%). The newest offering, the Cornelia Constanza, is 100% Grenache aged in tank (95%) and barrel (5%). All of the fruit emerges from the estate’s large holdings of red wines in one of the most favored and renowned sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape – La Crau.Importer: David Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900

As with most 2006s, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape from this estate is a classic wine that exudes southern Rhone charm and character. Made from 55% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault and the rest Mourvedre, it offers ready to go notes of garrigue, sweet spice, currants and roasted herbs. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and with a touch chewy tannin, drink this pleasure bent effort through 2021.