Wine Advisor
Sixtine, Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Vatican 2010
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
In need of 4-5 years of cellaring, the infantile 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine is a behemoth. Made from a blend similar to the 2009's, the 2010 exhibits an opaque purple color in addition to a beautiful nose of melted licorice, blackberries, cassis, smoky barbecue embers, underbrush and soil overtones. Rich and full-bodied with a multilayered mouthfeel, this impressive, pure, well-built Chateauneuf will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. (Not yet released) These are two very strong vintages from the Diffonty family (among the oldest estate bottlers in the appellation). The 2010s may be one of the finest vintages the Diffonty family has yet made. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173
About the Producer
Château Sixtine is a family-run property, where the traces of the DIFFONTY family go back to 1673. Today, after 4 generations, Jean Marc DIFFONTY, son of Félicien DIFFONTY who was the mayor of Châteauneuf-du-Pape during 30 years, works of the maintenance of the family traditions since 1990. Located between Orange and Avignon, in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Château Sixtine extends on 15 hectares. Here, 5 grape varieties dominate: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre for red, Roussanne and Clairette for white. Jean Marc DIFFONTY, has given a new boom to the domain, bringing modernity and elegance, to propel Château Sixtine to the rank of the biggest names of the Appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
