Chateau Sixtine is a rich, opulent, no-holds-barred style of Châteauneuf. It offers layers of dark, smoky, red berry fruit complexity, with a rich seam of spice. From the exceptional 2020 vintage, it scored 93 points from Decanter.
Modern styled effort that shows a touch of oak as well as lots of blackberry, black raspberries, licorice and crushed herbs. Beautiful concentration and sweet tannin, it will need a few years of cellaring to come together and drink well over the following 15 years or more.
93/100 Matt Walls, Decanter, October 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"No excess extraction, however the tannins are ripe and velvety. Good slick of dark fruit, all very smooth. Approachable now, but will take on some further interest if allowed to age into the medium term thanks to its perfect balance. Well judged, neither pushed too far nor weak. All destemmed, fermented in stainless steel, mostly matured in concrete, along with some foudres and demi-muids."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
17/20 James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com, October 2021 (2020 Vintage)
"Rich, intense and spicy. Clearly has a depth of fruit and aromatic complexity. Seems like old-vine concentration? Tannins powerful but refined and well integrated. Firm, long finish. Needs time but clear potential. "
95/100 Jeb Dunnuck (2019 Vintage)
"The flagship (this lineup can be slightly confusing) is the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Chateau Sixtine and it’s mostly Grenache with solid amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre, that’s raised in concrete and used barrels. It’s another rich yet incredibly polished, seamless barrel sample that has ample blackberry and black raspberry fruits as well as notes of chocolate, cured meats, and spice, full-bodied richness, plenty of polished tannins, and a great finish."
93/100 Wine Spectator (2019 Vintage)
"Fruity, warm and expressive, with waves of raspberry compote, plum sauce and melted red and black licorice notes rolling along, pushed from behind by a lively apple wood hint and flecks of spice and sweet tobacco on the finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2023 through 2038."