Cuvee du Vatican Reserve Sixtine 2004

Cuvee du Vatican used to be one of Chateauneuf du Pape's best kept secrets, until discovered a few years back by the American wine critic, Robert Parker. Cuvee du Vatican Reserve Sixtine is Jean Marc Diffonty's limited release special cuvee, made with 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and a generous 20% of the peppery Mourvedre, all traditionally fermented with a long maceration to extract maximum colour and flavour. The result is a powerful and seductive style of Chateauneuf that's the ideal accompaniment to rich meat dishes or an equally weighty vegetarian stew. Open an hour before serving and decant carefully as the wine may throw a deposit. ''A dense rubypurple coloured wine that is built for the long haul. Notes of Provencal herbs, creme de cassis, black cherries and garrigue. It is a beauty.'' Wine Advocate