2001 Domaine de la Solitude Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Barberini

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. Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800