Modern, Post-War, Contemporary Art and Wine
Online-Only Auction, 16 - 23 August 2021
Wine
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
The Diffonty family, the owners of Domaine Cuvée du Vatican, can date their history in Châteauneuf-du-Pape back to the 17th century. After replacing the estate’s fruit and olive production with vines, Cuvée du Vatican sold their first vintage in 1902 – 100 years ago. Felicien Diffonty, who had managed the company since 1945, passed the estate down to his son, Jean Marc, and his wife, Karine, in 1992. In 2010, the Diffonty family renamed their estate ‘Sixtine’ to match the name of their top wine and started to produce a second wine – Manus Dei. Today, the property stretches over 22.5 hectares stretching across various terroir in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Critics Ratings
‘This is probably the finest example of this cuvee since the 2003. Made from 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre, destemmed and aged in a mix of foudre, old barrels and small amounts of new barrels, it offers terrific purity in its black raspberry and cassis fruits, melted licorice and cured meat aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate density and no hard edges, it’s a joy to drink today but will certainly keep for another decade or more.’ - Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Feb 2017)
‘Lush and inviting, with crushed plum, currant and blackberry fruit flavors laid over velvety tannins. The long, graphite- and licorice-filled finish glides along beautifully, with solid grip in reserve. Best from 2010 through 2024.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Oct 2009)
Provenance
Private Client
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