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.
Blood red in color. 15.5% ABV. Brooding nose of black fruits, tar, soy and anise. Immense and concentrated. Exceptionally well balanced. Kirsch liqueur, garrigue, unami and herbs on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. For me there is a little validation here that the 07’s just need some time in the cellar still. Excellent CdP with a long life ahead of it. Drink over the next 5-7 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Over delivers at the $50 price point for recent releases.