The full-bodied 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% each Cinsault and Counoise, aged almost entirely in tank (10% went into foudre). It delivers notes of lightly caramelized cherries and mixed berries and hints of peppery herbs on the nose. It's full-bodied and supple but not that rich or concentrated, with a silky, mocha-tinged finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Solitude's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault, aged in a combination of barriques, demi-muids, foudres and concrete (only one-fourth went into wood). For the vintage, it shows a fair bit of structure, with fine-grained tannins framing notes of black cherries, dark chocolate and various dried spices. Medium to full-bodied, it's not the biggest wine of the vintage but is a nicely balanced, reasonably traditional example of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Very much a classic representative of the appellation, Solitude's 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is full-bodied and generous, lush and creamy through the mid-palate, then firming up slightly on the finish. Cola, spice and cherry flavors mingle easily, finishing long and savory. The assemblage is 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% each Cinsault and Counoise, with aging in concrete tank (90%) and foudres (10%).

Savory notes of clove and leather add nuance to the rich fruit of the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape. It's full-bodied, creamy, lush, plump with red berries and stone fruit and remains fresh and fruit-driven through the long finish. It should drink well for a decade or more.

Domaine de la Solitude turned in a top performance with its 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape. It shows hints of toasted almond or marzipan on the nose, ripe cherries and hints of stone fruit, and while it's richly tannic, the tannins are ripe and velvety. It should drink well for 15+ years.