2003 Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf Reserve 16th

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. Parker 95

If you like old style, old vine, very ripe Chateauneuf - this is one to buy!