2010 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Another beautiful traditional cuvee from this estate is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is a dramatically shifted blend of 40% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and the rest Cinsault. While they normally make 9,000 cases of this cuvee, in 2010 there's only 4,500 produced, so production is down 50% due to the poor weather in the spring. Possessing a deep, rich character (no doubt due to the higher Syrah content), with lots of pepper, black raspberry, framboise and spice, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a great mid-palate and fine, silky tannin. It's enjoyable today, but will evolve nicely through at least 2028.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Full ruby. Vibrant raspberry and redcurrant aromas are complicated by Asian spices and candied lavender. Gently sweet black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are enlivened by a white pepper nuance, which adds spicy bite. The long, gently chewy finish features silky tannins and lingering florality.
A classically styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape (especially when compared to the Cuvée Barberini), the 2010 Domaine de la Solitude (35% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault) offers up Provencal aromas of ground pepper, garrigue, leather, and licorice that are supported by a vibrant core of raspberry and blackberry styled fruit. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and structured, with excellent richness and the ripe, polished tannin that is the hallmark of the vintage, this impressive red will drink well for 12-15 years. It is easily my favorite vintage of the cuvee to date.
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Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro
Red
Dry