2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cornelia Constanza

Showing consistently (if not a point or two better) with my review from a couple years ago, the 2006 Domaine de la Solitude (Lançon Père et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Cornelia Constanza - same blend and elevage as the 2010 - is knockout stuff that oozes Grenache flair. Plum, kirsch, herbs de Provence, lavender, and melted licorice-like aromas all emerge from the glass, and the exuberance and decadence of the nose is mirrored on the palate, where it possesses a sexy, hedonistic mouth-feel, full-body, and a focused, blockbuster finish. Drinking beautifully, this will continue to impress for another decade or more.

Bright red. Sharply focused red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by anise, garrigue and smoky minerals. Pliant red fruit flavors are supported by zesty minerals, gaining flesh and sweetness with air. Very nicely balanced wine with a compelling blend of depth and vivacity that bodes well for cellaring.

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cornelia Constanza was fashioned from 100% very old vine Grenache, primarily aged in tank. It exhibits all the characteristics of ripe Grenache, including notes of kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, figs, spice box, and flowers. Heady, full-bodied, concentrated, decadently rich, and oh, so powerful and deep, this is a “must” purchase for those who love old vine Grenache in its unmanipulated, natural, naked glory. This wine should drink beautifully for 15-20 years. Readers would be hard-pressed to find a better portfolio of 2006 Chateauneuf du Papes than this one produced by the Lancon family at Domaine de la Solitude. This historic Chateauneuf du Pape estate went through a period of mediocrity, but recently, spectacular wines have been created from their sensational old vine holdings throughout the appellation. There are now four cuvees, with the regular Chateauneuf du Pape a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, and the balance Mourvedre, aged 80% in tank and 20% in barrel. The Cuvee Barberini is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged in tank (65%) and small barrels (35%). As for the Reserve Secrete, it is 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah aged in small barrels (60%) and tank (40%). The newest offering, the Cornelia Constanza, is 100% Grenache aged in tank (95%) and barrel (5%). All of the fruit emerges from the estate’s large holdings of red wines in one of the most favored and renowned sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape – La Crau. Importer: David Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900