21323 customer reviews

Château Sixtine - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017

Châteauneuf-du-Pape|Red wine

4.1/5 (14 customers)

97+/100

Jeb Dunnuck

17/20

Jancis Robinson

93/100

Wine Spectator

full-bodied

wealthy

distinctive

“The only 2017 vintage presented was the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sixtine, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre aged for one year in barrels, 5% of which were new. Its deep purple hue gives way to an intense nose of pure black fruit, dried meat, smoky and toasty nuances, and hints of chocolate. It is ripe, supple, and expansive on the palate, with rich texture and soft, polished tannins. With fabulous fruit purity, no harsh edges, and an excellent finish, this is undoubtedly the best vintage to date.”(Jeb Dunnuck)

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21323 reviews

-20€

Starting at €99 on your first order

Estate

Château Sixtine

Vintage

2017

Designation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Region

Rhône

Grape varieties

50% Grenache - 30% Syrah - 20% Mourvèdre

Regions

Sand and clay, clay-limestone, clay-limestone with pebbles

Viticulture

Sustainable farming

Grape Harvest

Hand-picked in small crates

Winemaking

Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, traditional winemaking with punching down and racking

Livestock farming

Aged for one year in tanks and oak barrels, 5% of which are new.

Alcohol content

15,5%

Eye

Deep purple hue

Nose

Complex and highly aromatic, with pure black fruit, dried meat, smoky undertones, and hints of chocolate

Palate

Ripe, velvety, and full-bodied, with a rich texture and soft, polished tannins, and fabulous fruit purity.

Serve

At 14-16°C

Open

1 hour before

Drink before

2027

Food and wine pairings

Pairs well with red meat, poultry, lamb navarin, Mediterranean cuisine, and cheese

More information at Château Sixtine

More information at Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Bettane & Desseauve

Rated 2 stars (A solid, recommendable wine, though slightly more consistent and uniform than the previous one)

About the estate:

Château Sixtine is the new name for the former Cuvée du Vatican estate, a well-known property owned by the Diffonty family. The 24 hectares, spread across various parts of the appellation—including 5 hectares bordering Château Rayas in Pignan—allow for skillful blending, resulting in a beautiful, classically styled wine.

Guide Hachette des vins

Rated estate (2020 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines regularly receive awards from the guide)

About the estate:

The Diffonty family has been based in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region since the 17th century and is deeply involved in local life. They have been growing grapes there since 1800 and operate a 22-hectare estate, now managed by Jean-Marc Diffonty.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)

RVF - The French Wine Review / Guide to the Best Wines of France

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

Selected Estates (Please note that this guide is a ranking, and as such, all the estates listed here—even those without a star—represent, in our view, the pinnacle of French winemaking.)

Wine Spectator

Wine rated 93/100 (Exceptional wine)

Jancis Robinson

Wine rated 17/20

Jeb Dunnuck

Wine rated 97/100

About the wine:

The only 2017 vintage presented was the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sixtine, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre aged for one year in barrels, 5% of which were new. Its deep purple hue gives way to an intense nose of pure black fruit, dried meat, smoky and toasty nuances, and hints of chocolate. It is ripe, velvety, and expansive on the palate, with rich body and soft, polished tannins. With fabulous fruit purity, no harsh edges, and an excellent finish, this is undoubtedly the best vintage to date.

Customer rating

4.1/5

based on 14 reviews

Review by Mr. JACQUES R. Published on 12/17/2022

Enough is enough... the alcohol is overwhelming and overpowers everything... it’s almost too much to handle! The next day, the wine is a bit more supple and approachable; I’ll set the remaining bottles aside. December 2022: the wine is now much more approachable, and the alcohol is less pronounced.