Smoking good the 2009 Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Sixtine aged in a combination of old and new wood boast fantastic aromatics of blackberry and cassis fruit smoke spice and licorice. With full bodied power and a decadent yet light texture this finishes with vibrant acidity loads of ripe tannin and serious length. Very polished even at this young stage it should be approachable on release due to the quality of fruit but deserves 3 to 5 years in the cellar and should age beautifully for 15+ years. Impressive.

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.

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. -JM