Benedictus de Vatican 2020

Jean-Marc Diffonty “has been doing a fabulous job” at his family’s historic estate.
Châteauneuf enthusiast and top critic, Robert Parker

The Diffonty family are one of the oldest winemaking dynasties in the southern Rhône—as you’d expect, they also make serious Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Their cuvées have been blessed by the Pope and Parker (in fact, their 1970 release was the first case of Châteauneuf the famed critic ever bought, launching his love of wine and decades-long career).

In celebration of our longstanding friendship with the family, Jean-Marc Diffonty has crafted this unique ‘blessing’—a benedictus of his finest Côtes-du-Rhône cuvée, turbo-charged with his famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’s already earned a gold medal from the prestigious Gilbert and Gaillard.

In this classic Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre blend, you’ll enjoy aromas and flavors of blackberry jam, cherries and plums with a spicy tobacco note and that trademark, deep velvety core that fans of fine Châteauneuf-du-Pape love. A spectacular choice for roasted meats, cheese plates or hearty vegetarian stews.

As we feared, Jean-Marc only made a small amount of Benedictus. If you order now you’ll thank yourself later.