I loved Domaine de la Solitude’s 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah (from vines around the estate.. La Solitude and La Crau lieux-dits) that was raised in 30% new barrels, it exhibits a big, rich profile, with notes of chocolate-covered black fruits, licorice and smoked meats emerging from the glass. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and layered, it’s drinking brilliantly now, but should continue to hold nicely through 2025.

The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet, modern-styled bouquet of graphite, pain grille, and blackberries. The wine is full-bodied and rich with sweet tannins, an obvious oak influence, and a generous, powerful finish. It should be at its finest in 2-3 years, and drink well for 15+. 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

Cream, herbal, blackcurrant, spice. Fairly straightforward with bags of red and black fruit personality. Grip and good length.