Cuvee du Vatican Reserve de l'Abbe Chateauneuf du Pape Red Wine, France 2023

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the southern Rhône’s most celebrated, sought-after red, and Cuvée du Vatican Réserve d’Abbé is one every fan needs to try.

The world’s leading wine critic (and Rhône fanatic) Robert Parker has been a devoted follower of Cuvée du Vatican since their 1970 vintage—the first case of Châteauneuf he ever bought! Pope John XXIII blessed Cuvée du Vatican in 1958…and they still send a case to Rome each year. These days, the Diffonty family is at the helm—“helping lead Châteauneuf-du-Pape to new levels of quality,” says Wine Spectator. Proprietor Jean-Marc “has been doing a fabulous job here for over a decade,” raves Parker.

Their 2023 release is tasting better than ever—it's a generous, decadent, full-bodied red with heady, ripe cherry and strawberry aromas, plus notes of licorice and wild herbs. The palate is rich and round, with more red-fruit flavors and a long, powerful finish. For the optimal drinking experience, we reccomend decanting this fine wine 30 minutes before serving.