In need of 4-5 years of cellaring, the infantile 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine is a behemoth. Made from a blend similar to the 2009's, the 2010 exhibits an opaque purple color in addition to a beautiful nose of melted licorice, blackberries, cassis, smoky barbecue embers, underbrush and soil overtones. Rich and full-bodied with a multilayered mouthfeel, this impressive, pure, well-built Chateauneuf will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.
by Robert Parker, Issue #197, October 2011

Glass-staining ruby. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, incense, licorice and candied flowers. Stains the palate with sweet, pliant blackberry and cassis flavors. Closes on a sappy note, with resonating spiciness and lingering dark berry qualities. Note the name change from "Reserve Sixtine" to "Chateau Sixtine" that will take place as of the 2010 vintage. 92-94 points
By Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 12

Even better, with brilliant minerality, richness, and depth, the 2010 Château Sixtine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Sixtine (also 100% Roussanne) is loaded with honey-laced stone fruits, apricot, vanilla crème, and toast like aromas and flavors. Mouth filling, rich, and classy, it‟s aging gracefully (I reviewed this last year as well) and has another 2-3 years or prime drinking to go. (93 pts.)
by Jeb Dunnuck, Issue #13, September 2012

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Showing less of a modern profile at this point that the ’09, the 2010 Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Sixtine, a similar blend and elevage as the ’09, and comes from vines located in the lieux-dits of Rayas, La Crau, and Barbe d’Asne. It reveals gorgeously pure aromas of crème de cassis, chocolate, spice, and licorice, medium to full body, notable balance, and a focused, very long finish. As with the prior vintage, this should benefit from short to mid-term cellaring and have upwards of 12-15 years of longevity. (92-95 pts.)
- Jeb Dunnuck
September 2011