2007 - Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vatican Reserve, Sixtine

I loved the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Réserve Sixtine, and this is probably the finest example of this cuvee since the 2003. Made from 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre, destemmed and aged in a mix of foudre, old barrels and small amounts of new barrels, it offers terrific purity in its black raspberry and cassis fruits, melted licorice and cured meat aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate density and no hard edges, it’s a joy to drink today but will certainly keep for another decade or more.

Vivid ruby. Powerful, ripe scents of red and dark berry compote, cola, licorice and fruitcake. Broad, sweet dark berry flavors show a distinctly warm, liqueur-like personality but betray no rough edges. This has put on considerable weight since last year and displays the warm side of this vintage. The finish is creamy, sweet and very long, with echoes of cassis and mulberry. For its size and volume I find it surprisingly lively.