Fermented and aged in a mix of tanks and new barrels, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a blend of 35% Clairette, 25% each Grenache Blanc and Roussanne and 15% Bourboulenc. Hints of pencil shavings accent white peach and pear on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, fleshy, generous and round, then citrusy and fresh on the finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

A blend of 40% Roussanne, 30% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc and the rest a mix of Bourboulenc and Picpoul, Solitude's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc boasts subtle notes of pencil shavings and toasted hazelnuts set against a backdrop of ripe pear and melon. Medium to full-bodied, it's slightly creamy in texture on the palate, ending with additional nuttiness balanced by hints of citrus. Forty percent of the wine spent time in barriques for 10 months, and it shows.

A blend of 45% Clairette, 35% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc, part of the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc saw new oak, and it does show some toast and even popcorn-like notes up front. It's medium to full-bodied, with a refreshing squeeze of lime juice on the finish.

Forward and full-bodied, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc should likely be consumed in the next year or so, while it still exhibits ripe melon and orange aromas and flavors and a modest degree of freshness.