La Solitude’s 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini blanc (80% Roussanne and 20% Clairette) is a dead-ringer for a white Burgundy, with notes of hazelnut, buttered citrus, poached pear, and a touch of spice probably from barriques. The wine is full-bodied, fleshy, and impressive. Drink it over the next 4-5 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