Chateauneuf in Top Form
2001 Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Barberini"
Luscious, Back-Vintage CDP Score
30% Below the Lowest Price in the World
"Over the last ten years, these wines have gone from strength to strength, and are now some of the finest of the appellation." - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
With the young 2007 Chateauneufs falling deep into sleep, today we offer a luscious 2001 Chateauneuf in its prime, exuding all the sweet-cassis, smoke and flower-riddled perfumes of the sun-bathed Rhône.
Given the arctic temperatures we've been having and the daunting stretch of winter months ahead, we thought that something hedonistic, with a little belly-warming depth might be appropriate.
This is a targeted offering *only* for those of you who have supported our Rhône program. Still, with a mere 10 cases and a price 30% below the lowest price in the world, this will be gone quickly. (48 hours max!)
The Domaine de la Solitude has enough highs and lows to fill at least a few month's programming on your soap opera of choice. It is one of the oldest estates in Chateauneuf (amazingly, they were estate bottling in 1815!) with a well-situated site and all the potential in the world. The wines from the 1960s and 70s lived up to this potential and remain top expressions of Chateauneuf.
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Yet the estate fell from grace, making some poor decisions and consistently underperforming for much of the 1980s and 1990s. Brothers Michel and Jean Lancon have, however, brought the estate back to its promise. This is where Parker's quote (above) comes in - the last 10 years have shown a serious return to top form and at this point the Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneufs "are some of the finest of the appellation."
The 2001 Solitude "Barberini" is proof positive of the dramatic leaps in quality the house has made. This is a Chateauneuf with an uncommon depth and dimension and a shocking amount of spice - sweet dark cassis, wild red berries, a great interplay of herbs and anise. Yet, though this is one of Domaine de la Solitude's more "modern" cuvées with a judicious use of new oak evident on the palate, in the classic 2001 vintage at least, the wine is not overtly ripe and fleshy - it is a more finessed, medium-bodied red with plenty of style and energy.
While it does have a great texture, a beautiful silky smoothness that will please all hedonists, to our palates, Parker overstates the weight and "unctuousness" of the wine.
While the 2007 Chateauneufs look to be among the greatest ever made, they are going to demand some patience. Today's offer is for today. The 2001 Solitude will easily develop for the next 5+ years, yet it is in just such glorious form now, so gregarious, ample and giving that we'd recommend pulling the cork and enjoying this winter.
The value on offer today is immense, quantities are very limited. To order, email us at offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463. All orders subject to confirmation.
Ian McFadden
Director of Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits
2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvee Barberini"
Special Email Price: $44.90
Compare at $64-$85+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate: "The outstanding 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini (a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre aged 24 months in 40% small barrels and 60% neutral wood foudres) boasts an inky/ruby/purple color in addition to a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, melted licorice, graphite, smoke, and truffles. Full-bodied, lush, and expansively flavored, with tremendous purity as well as density, this brilliant 2001 is already starting to strut its stuff. Anticipated maturity: Now-2017."
2001 Solitude is in stock!
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