2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Châteauneuf Du Pape reveals a dense plum hue as well as powerful, meaty aromatics of smoky black fruits, charcuterie, Provençal spice, and licorice. It's gorgeous on the palate as well, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, sweet tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish. Based on 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre, aged in a combination of tanks and oak barrels, it's a powerful, opulent 2009 that will continue along this trajectory over the coming decade. Drink: 2025-2034.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Dark ruby. Aromas of cherry and black raspberry are complemented by floral and smoky qualities. Round, plaint and expansive, with very good heft and bracing zesty acidity to its sappy dark fruit flavors. Shows very good clarity and cut on the finish, with the berry note repeating. This fruit-driven wine is already quite appealing.
From the bottle, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape has lived up to its pre-bottle form. Composed of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and the rest Mourvedre, Cinsault and other varietals, it exhibits a dark ruby/plum color along with plenty of juicy, succulent, cassis and kirsch liqueur notes intertwined with hints of licorice, incense and underbrush. This full-bodied, sexy, lush offering also reveals a note of nori, the seaweed wrap used in sushi restaurants. Consume this 2009 over the next 10-12 years. These are two very strong vintages from the Diffonty family (among the oldest estate bottlers in the appellation). The 2010s may be one of the finest vintages the Diffonty family has yet made. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173
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Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Garnacha Blanca/Grenache Blanc
Red
Dry