Cuvée du Vatican Réserve de l’Abbé Côtes du Rhône 2019

Robert Parker is a long-time devotee of Cuvée du Vatican (theirs was the first case of Châteauneuf-du-Pape he ever bought – a wine that’s largely credited with launching his decades-long career). The label’s also been a favorite of the papacy since 1958, when Pope John XXIII blessed Cuvée du Vatican. (They still send a case to Rome each year.)

Today, we’d like to send you your taste of the estate with this top-notch Côtes-du-Rhône. It’s made by the talented Jean-Marc Diffonty, who “has been doing a fabulous job here for over a decade,” raves Parker.

You’ll taste what that really means with one sip of his premium-level Réserve. It’s a classic Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, left unoaked to allow all the juicy notes of ripe cherry and strawberry to shine through in your glass. Also look for hints of licorice and wild herb, plus a long, smooth finish. Drinking deliciously now, but don’t be afraid to hide a few bottles away to enjoy over the next few years (we love it with lamb or beef dishes).

Country	France
Varietal	Grenache Based Blend
Region	Rhone
Alcohol	13.5
Volume	750ML
Vintage	2019