Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Sixtine 2001

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The special cuvee, the stunning 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine, is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre aged in equal parts small barrels and neutral wood foudres. An elegant effort with freshness yet tremendous power and flavor intensity, it is a full-bodied, layered, provocative 2001 with exceptional depth as well as richness. While the tannin levels are high, there are even higher levels of concentration and fruit. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 15-20. This brilliant wine should ultimately be even better than my lofty score suggests. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020+.
• 90 Wine Spectator
  Elegant and refined, balancing some spicy oak, tar, toasted bread and grilled meat with some ripe and sweet fruit. Full-bodied, it coats the palate, delivering lots of firm but opulent tannins.