Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2020

For decades, these guys were the top dogs until about the 1960’s when one of the members of the Lancon family started prioritizing quantity over quality. That’s when things took a downturn.

But in the 1980’s when brother Michel and Jean Lançon took over, that all changed and glory was restored in the following years. Their commitment to making improvements while preserving the traditions of the family have made all the difference, and their gigantic estate with a huge distinct advantage doesn’t hurt either.

As the Wine Advocate also notes, “they have 75 acres, with most of it situated in the widely renowned rocky plateau in the eastern part of the sector known as La Crau.” This area is one of the warmest, sunniest spots in the region and as such the grapes ripen sooner. That gives the brothers ample time to have the wine mature and develop bold, intricate flavors.

Farming organically and getting the most of their savvy old vines (many of them 50+ years old), these wines are gorgeous, deep wines with robust concentration and a myriad of flavors. This estate makes the perfect winter wines.

“Recently, spectacular wines have been created from their sensational old vine holdings throughout the appellation.” -Robert Parker, Jr.