Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2005 Cuvée du Vatican Réserve Sixtine – Bottle Notes

Cuvee du Vatican is a 40-acre estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, in the Rhone Valley. It is owned and operated by the Diffonty family, which traces its history in Rhone Valley winemaking to the 17th century. Jean-Marc Diffonty now runs the estate.

In 1998, Cuvee du Vatican began producing the popular, Reserve Sixtine wine from some of their oldest vines. It’s usually a blend of mostly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvedre.

Dark crimson in color but fading slightly at the edge of the glass. 14.5% ABV. Red fruits, plums, licorice and wet pavement on the nose. Full bodied and rich with great mouthfeel. Raspberries, garrigue, kirsch and creme de cassis on the palate. Super finish. Drink over the next 2-3 years. Really delicious Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

My rating: 92 points.

Over delivers at the $50 price point for recent releases.

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