Domaine de la Solitude 2016

Lively, with firm but not harsh tannins, a precise expression of fruity, raspberry notes. Pleasing.

This has a core of lightly steeped damson plum and black cherry fruit, liberally infused with rooibos tea and savory notes. A gentle iron twinge permeates the silky finish and adds length. Drink now through 2030.

Run by Oliver Bernard and the team at Domaine de Chevalier, this is silky and beautifully rounded with carefully placed tannins. A real success in this vintage and just brilliant value. Not as well known as it should be.

This is awash with ripe raspberries and boysenberries, dusted in vanilla, as well as blackberry compote. The palate has a very plush and energetic feel and radiates a sense of freshness and balance. Great care has been taken in every step of making this rising star of quality and value. A blend of 55 percent cabernet sauvignon and 45 percent merlot. Try from 2022.

The 2016 Domaine de la Solitude has an attractive nose of brambly red berry fruit laced with melted tar and tobacco aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a little compact but harmonious toward the finish, where hints of fresh fig infuse the vivacious red fruit. Excellent.

Medium-bodied, easy-to-discover personality, with just enough smoky cherries, earth and tobacco to keep it interesting, all the way through to its soft-textured finish.

Made by the team at Domaine de Chevalier, the 2016 Domaine de la Solitude is a classic Graves effort offering lots of meaty black cherry, tobacco, loamy earth, and underbrush aromatics. Layered, medium-bodied, with good acidity, and an inherent elegance, drink it over the coming 10-15 years. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot.

Delicately spicy, fruity nose with notes of warm stone; a very refined palate, savory flesh, silky-grained tannins, and an excellent fresh finish. All in elegance.