2021 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Domaine de la Solitude. Rhône

The estate has 35 hectares of vineyard in the appellation, all in the sub-region of La Solitude.

50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault; aged in a mixture of tank and oak barrel for around 15 months.

From ‘www.thewinecellarinsider’:
“Domaine de la Solitude has one of the longest histories in the Rhone Valley. The Barberini family who founded the estate can trace their roots in Chateauneuf du Pape back to the 1604. They were quite an established, or should I say famous family as far back as the 13th century. In fact, Maffeo Barberini became the Pope, using the name of Urbain VIII. Two of the nephews of Maffeo Barberini became Cardinals and moved to Avignon.
From there, through marriage and a dowry, what we know of today as Domaine de la Solitude was born. The estate took its name from the La Solitude lieu-dit, which is where much of their vineyards are planted.
Domaine de la Solitude was one of the larger vineyards in the region by the mid to late 1800’s. At the time, the wine was produced and sold under the name of Vin de la Solitude.
The modern era for Domaine de la Solitude began in the 1970’s when a direct descendant through marriage, Pierre Lancon began managing the estate. That tradition continues today, as the estate is managed today by his children, Michel Lancon and Jean Lancon.”

Classic example; broad and ripe, without being over-the-top.