Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

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.

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

The brilliant 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and the rest various red varietals. Aged in both barrel (30% new) and foudre, it represents approximately one-fourth of the vintage’s production, or roughly 2,000 cases. Yields averaged 17-25 hectoliters per hectare. The 2003 is an atypically powerful, concentrated effort that tips the scales at 15.7% alcohol. It boasts a dense purple color as well as copious quantities of black raspberries, cherries, cassis, licorice, smoke, scorched earth, and hints of Provencal herbs as well as subtle wood. This broad, substantial, powerful effort possesses fabulous concentration and awesome potential. It will not be one of the 2003 Chateauneuf du Papes to drink in its youth. Even though it has low acidity, there is tremendous tannin as well as extract. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring; it should keep for 16-18 years.