Reviews
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
- Jeb Dunnuck -
- Wine Spectator -
- Vinous -
Technical Details
- 60% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre
- Philippe Cambie
- France
- Rhône Valley
- Southern Rhône
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- lieux-dits of Côteau de Saint-Jean and Cabane de Saint-Jean (La Crau); lieu-dit of Bois-Dauphin Saint-Jean
- Organic Practices
- Grenache 12 months in concrete, Mourvedre 12 months in French oak demi-muids
- 16%
Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina 2021
Organic Practices
40% OFF RETAIL!
One of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most legendary estates, Clos St. Jean helped change the region forever when they began bottling estate wines over a century ago, before CdP officially existed. We’re over the moon to have their 98-point 2021 Deus Ex Machina, “a strong candidate to be wine of the vintage,” according to Wine Advocate. For the lowest price in the country and free shipping on just 3 bottles, you deserve to make a few of these yours!
“Deus Ex Machina” is a literary phrase for when something serendipitously interrupts a typical course of action in a plotline. In the case of this wine’s first vintage (2003), it was the unconventional decision of Philippe Cambie and Vincent Maurel to harvest at the end of September, several weeks after their neighbors. The choice would end up producing one of their most compelling wines across their always-impressive portfolio, and this 98-point 2021 vintage remains true to that trajectory.
This historic property is known for its modern, clean, and voluptuous style, and has long been considered one of the top producers in the world – and certainly on the short list of best of the best for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This bottling is called “a dead ringer for a great Burgundy” by Jeb Dunnuck, and “this year’s front-runner at Clos Saint-Jean” by Vinous. With 60% Grenache aged in concrete and 40% Mourvèdre aged in new oak, it’s all at once fresh, juicy, and supple while still delivering mouthwatering power, tension, and concentration.
If you’re into dark, juicy cherries melted with black licorice, toasted almonds, black truffle, saddle leather, cedar, spearmint, and a vanilla cream-like thing on the finish... this is the wine of your dreams. There’s this poised, percolating acidity, alongside kitten-soft tannins, with a posh, ever-lasting finish that just keeps going. Simply remarkable and captivating wine that feels like you’re participating a bit in art and history as you enjoy it. Make sure you snag at least 3 for free shipping... and for maximum future joy!
PAIRING IDEAS: This juicy, brooding, powerful wine needs something meaty and rich to hold up to it – let’s go for a grilled (well-marinated) flat iron steak, with chimichurri and roasted bell peppers on top... and herby, salty potato wedges on the side, of course.