2004 Cuvée Félicien Diffonty et Fils du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
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. Enjoy bottles over the coming 4-5 years.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Beautiful nose of pure black cherry, raspberry, licorice and subtle spice and charred wood notes. Medium to full bodied with a seamless, silky texture, very clean fruit, great balance and a long finish.
The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the less inspiring vintages that Diffonty has made over recent years. It is spicy, peppery, has good ripeness, but it is superficial and monolithic. This is one more estate that has come back strong because of a change in generations with the young, competent Jean-Marc Diffonty replacing his father, one of the grumpy but personality-filled characters of Chateauneuf du Pape. Yet from a winemaking standpoint, the father was inflexible and unwilling to change. Diffonty has lower yields and introduced a new blend, the Reserve Sixtine which is a blend of 50% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre, the latter two components spending time in small oak barrels. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173
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.