Domaine de la Solitude

Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC Tradition Blanc

This historic cuvée of the Estate, a white produced since the 17th century, is a blend of different soils and varietals situated on the coolest terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, areas where the fierce Mistral wind blows strongest. The Grenache Blanc come from the “La Crau” plateau, while the Clairette, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Picpoul varietals are grown in the “Vallon de la Solitude.” Florent's approach in the cellar is very responsive to what kind of fruit the vintage gives, thus the cépage and élevage change somewhat year to year. Beginning in 2020, Florent began fermenting 10% of this cuvée on its skins, a bold decision that has paid off handsomely. Serve at 10-12°C.

2020: 95DE "Florent Lançon has started using more solids in the juice for his whites and the results justify this decision. Quite closed and introspective for now, the oak is very tight around the wine, but there's great freshness within. Straight and focused, showing tobacco, pear and cedar, this will take time to come round, but should be good and age well when it's ready. Very impressive for a first vintage. 1,200 bottles made." - Matt Walls
2021: 98DE "Full-bodied, generous and broad, then a powerful beam of surging acidity rides in to refresh and cleanse the palate. The oaking is robust and will take time to harmonise, but this has the underlying power, concentration and extract to take it. Great length; an expansive, rich and regal Châteauneuf blanc. Also contains 10% each of Bourboulenc, Clairette Rose and Piquepoul. Grown organically on sand, matured in new barriques. Just 958 bottles produced." - Matt Walls
2022: 92DE, Matt Walls' 26 value Chateauneuf-du-Pâpe to try: “Intense and shapely, showing plenty of pear and floral notes. Full-bodied, regal and impressive, with a generous mouthfeel and a long finish. A lot of wine for the money, in an oaked style, but not excessively so. Matured 30% in concrete tank, 30% foudres and 40% barriques for 10 months.”