eRobertParker.com June, 2013 A great 2003 that is aging at a glacial pace, the 2003 Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and the rest assorted varieties. Aged in 30% new barrel and the balance in foudre, it certainly possesses a modern slant, yet easily holds on to its southern Rhone roots. Youthful and lively, with big black currant, steak tartar, white chocolate, truffle and graphite on the nose, it flows seamlessly onto the palate and deliver layers of fruit, beautiful purity and perfectly ripe tannin that emerge on the finish. Seriously well put together and endowed, it will continue to thrill for another decade. Oak adverse readers should give bottles another 2-3 years of bottle age. An absolutely classic and brilliant example of the vintage and of Cuvee du Vatican is the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine. This wine was fabulous prior to bottling and continues to exhibit a terrific character post-bottling. About 2,000 cases were produced from yields that averaged 17 to 25 hectoliters per hectare. Tipping the scales at 15.7% alcohol, it possesses an inky/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of smoky plums and black currants intermixed with licorice, garrigue, underbrush, and scorched earth. Full-bodied, powerful, concentrated, meaty notes come across like steak au poivre. Dense, chewy, opulent, but structured, this massive wine has beautiful definition and length as well as impressive freshness and delineation. Give it 3-4 years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades. (95)