95 points,

Rhone Report, The, September 2012

Showing beautifully from bottle and up there with the best vintage of this cuvee to date, the 2010 Château Sixtine (reviewed last year as the Réserve Sixtine), is a dense, meaty red that offers up decadent crème de cassis, creamy black raspberry, licorice, toasted spice, and mineral qualities on both the nose and palate. Gaining additional meatiness with air, this full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a voluptuous, rich texture, beautiful freshness, and a structured tannic finish that will require 3-5 years to round out. While the higher percentage of Syrah shows here, this is very well-done and the purity, balance, and depth are exceptional. It can be consumed now due to the fruit, but will ideally be given 5-7 years in the cellar. It will drink well for upwards of two decades.

96 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2012

The 2010 Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf du Pape performed exquisitely and, again, was one of the top wines of the vintage. With better integration of the new oak than I have previously seen from Jean-Marc Diffonty, this wine's opaque ruby/purple color possesses lots of licorice, asphalt, graphite, blackberry and kirsch notes as well as hints of lavender, forest floor and garrigue. This opulent, full-bodied effort is approachable, but it will not hit its full stride for another 2-4 years. It should drink well for 15-20 years thereafter.

92 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, February 2013

Opaque purple. Heady aromas of cherry-cola, blueberry, potpourri and sandalwood, with a spicy overtone. Deeply pitched dark fruit flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity and pick up notes of candied lavender and white pepper with air. Ripe and lively, finishing with outstanding energy, harmonious tannins and lingering sweetness.

94 points,

Wine Spectator, October 2012

A dark, brawny style, with roasted apple wood and dark espresso framing the currant paste, blackberry pâte de fruit, melted black licorice and bittersweet cocoa notes. There's lots of muscle on the finish, but also lovely flickers of violet and pastis for nuance. Needs time to unwind fully. Best from 2015 through 2030. -JM

About Winery

The Diffonty family can trace their Chateauneauf du Pape origins to the late 1600's. They have been producing wines under the Cuvee du Vatican name for over a century, though much of the wine was sold to negociants during that time. Jean-Marc Diffonty, who was the mayor of Chateauneuf du Pape 1965-1995, is the 4th generation at the domain and has been responsible, since his father Félician Diffonty left the charge in 1993.

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