Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee du Vatican 2009
- Vintage
- 2009
- Country
- France
- Region
- Rhone
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WA93, WS91
- Grape
- Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre,
The brilliant 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine (a blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 25% Mourvedre aged in small barrels of which less than 10% is new) reveals a darker deep purple color with a vague hint of vanillin in the background. Blackberry, cassis, kirsch, licorice and Provencal herb characteristics dominate the explosive aromatics. Atypically approachable for this cuvee (which is usually meant for long term aging), the 2009 possesses a savory, broad, saturated mouthfeel with a well-integrated tannic structure providing current accessibility. Nevertheless, it will drink well for 15-20 years. Drink: 2011~2031 - WA93
Silky and long, with nicely woven layers of fig, boysenberry, cassis and pastis flavors that pick up hints of black tea and iron on the very suave finish. There's also solid length, thanks to well-embedded acidity. Best from 2013 through 2020. - WS91
Château Sixtine is a wine producer in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Rhône Valley. Félicien Henri Désiré Diffonty founded the estate in 1900 with just 2 hectares (5 acres) of vines. Since then the Diffonty family have played a significant role in the winemaking history of the region, with Félicien and his son Marius Diffonty helping to establish the Syndicat de Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1924.
The Grenache grape makes up 60 percent of the château's vineyards, which are divided between three sites: Rayas, La Crau and Barbe d'Asne. Rayas is the largest of the three and consists of approximately 6ha (15 acres) planted mainly to Grenache.
In contrast to the sandy soils of Raya, the 2ha (5 acre) La Crau vineyard is characterized by its pebbly soils, which sit atop layers of clay and limestone. Here, the Grenache vines sit alongside those of Mourvèdre, whereas in Barbe d'Asne, it is Syrah that occupies the entire 2ha (5 acre) plot. The vineyards are farmed using only organic agricultural methods and harvested by hand.
In addition to its flagship red and white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, the château is known for its Manus Dei du Château Sixtine and Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape portfolios. The Cuvée du Vatican label also includes several expressions of red Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages. - Information from Wine Searcher