2004 & 2006 Cuvée du Vatican "Réserve Sixtine" & Patrick Lesec "Cuvée Bargeton" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tasting Lot

“Offers a gorgeous blast of pure blueberry and boysenberry fruit, with a round, creamy texture and a long, floral, spice- and fruit-filled finish. Sails along beautifully. (JM)” (11/2006)

“A rock-solid 2004 that dishes out loads of sweet fruit in a medium to full-bodied, rich and layered package, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine (50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault aged 12 months in barrel – no new oak – and foudre) exhibits a dark, black-cherry-styled bouquet intermixed with olive tapenade, rare steak and wild herbs. Showing the freshness of the vintage, it doesn’t skimp on the fruit and is a joy to drink. (JD)” (02/2014)

“Dark red. Cherry, wild strawberry, licorice and lavender on the nose. Energetic red fruit flavors show excellent depth and sweetness and are nicely supported by fine, dusty tannins. The lively, precise finish features a lingering spiced berry quality and striking persistence. (JR)” (01/2007)

“Dark red. Pungent raspberry and dried floral aromas, with a suave spice character building with air. Deep, sweet and round, with fleshy red berry flavors and impressive finishing grip. Seriously structured but with no hardness or edges.” (02/2008)

“The deep plum/ruby-tinged 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Bargeton (80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre) was aged in 1- to 3-year-old small barrels. The most structured, dense, and tannic of these Chateauneufs, it begs for 2-4 years of bottle age. Aromas of charcoal, roasted meats, grilled Provencal herbs, black currants, and cherries are followed by a deep, chewy, thick, well-structured, muscular wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.” (10/2008)