Domaine de la Solitude 2018 "Vin de Solitude" Chateauneuf du Pape 750ml

Based on just about every variety permitted (some white varieties as well), the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Vin De La Solitude is inspired by the writings of Major Ducos, who was a prior owner of Château de la Nerthe. The grapes were all harvested at separate times yet added to the same tank, resulting in very long alcoholic fermentation (1 month) and a total maceration time of 80 days. This singular beauty sports a medium ruby hue to go with an incredibly exotic bouquet of redcurrants, framboise, mulled strawberries, white flowers, cedary garrigue, and classy leather. This all carries to a medium to full-bodied red with beautiful overall balance, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s a singular, gorgeously complex wine that tastes like a Grand Cru Burgundy made in the South of France.

Score: 95 points -- Jeb Dunnock, jebdunnock.com, 2020