August 2013
The Diffonty family, makers of Cuvee du Vatican, go back as far as 1673, when they began as farmers. Felician Diffonty named the domain Cuvee du Vatican in 1958, with blessings from the pope. Since then the family has played a large role in the community, Félician was the mayor of Chateauneuf du Pape from 1965-1995 and Jean Marc Diffonty, the 4th generation
and current owner of the domain, was made president of the Young Winemakers of Châteauneuf du Pape in 1996. Jean-Marc continues the family business today with wife Karine, they have dedicated themselves to the further development of the domain. In 1998, they created the Reserve Sixtine, named after the Sistine Chapel, made from the oldest of their vines and seen as an expression of the land and the Diffonty tradition.
Cuvee du Vatican wines Available Now:
Cuvee du Vatican Reserve Sixtine Chateauneuf du Pape 2006 ($59.95) $29 special SOLD OUT
Wine Spectator 93 points “This is dark and reticent for now, but also pure and loaded with a big core of plum and blackberry fruit, mocha, graphite, licorice and fig cake notes. The long, velvety finish just sails along, with latent grip in reserve. Best from 2009 through 2028”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA
The average listed price is $53 / bottle
Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf du Pape 2010 ($44.95) $36 special SOLD OUT
Wine Spectator 92 points “Very fleshy and succulent, with dark fig and linzer torte flavors that show anise and blackberry hints. Amble toasted spice and singed alder notes fill in on the finish, and this has a lovely silky feel despite its weight. Best from 2014 through 2026.”
Cuvee du Vatican Reserve Sixtine Chateauneuf du Pape 2010 ($69.95) $59 special SOLD OUT
Robert Parker 93-95 points “In need of 4-5 years of cellaring, the infantile 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine is a behemoth. Made from a blend similar to the 2009’s, the 2010 exhibits an opaque purple color in addition to a beautiful nose of melted licorice, blackberries, cassis, smoky barbecue embers, underbrush and soil overtones. Rich and full-bodied with a multilayered mouthfeel, this impressive, pure, well-built Chateauneuf will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.”
Cuvee du Vatican Reserve Sixtine Chateauneuf du Pape 2011 ($69.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer 90-92 points “Bright purple. Intensely perfumed red and dark berry aromas are complicated by subtle smoke and floral qualities. Sweet raspberry and blackberry preserve flavors show impressive depth and pick up a licorice nuance with air. Closes on an attractively sweet note, with excellent clarity and lingering smokiness.”