2005 Cuvée Félicien Diffonty et Fils du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape SixtineReserve
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It\'s still a bit oaky, which is not something I really want in a Chateauneuf du Pape, especially one that is 10 years or older, but there is so much, ripe, sweet, lush kirsch, spice and freshly cracked black pepper, which is all made better with its round, plush textures, I can forgive it. I am not sure this is going to get better, but it\'s really fine today.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Proprietor Jean-Marc Diffonty’s 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape is fully mature, with lots of spice, cedar, dried herbs and sweet cherry fruit all emerging from the glass. Made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, it needs consuming over the coming 2-3 years.
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. From lieux-dits: Rayas, Bois Lauzon, Le Tresquoy, Mont de Viès, Serres. 100% destemmed. Temperature-controlled stainless steel, malo in concrete, aged in foudre and tank for 12 months. 18,300 bottles produced. pH 3.65, RS 2.32 g/l. Very dark garnet. Tired on the nose. Very unfriendly and a bit hard. Plays the mass rather than subtlety card. (JR)
Ruby-red. Cherry-vanilla, cassis and mocha aromas are sharpened by dusty minerality and fresh rose. Velvety red fruit flavors display excellent depth, picking up bitter cherry and dark chocolate on the finish. Shuts down with air, suggesting that this will need some cellar time.