Chateauneuf du Pape Clos Saint Jean Deus Ex Machina 2005

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina 2005 is a full-bodied, single-vineyard red wine from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Southern Rhône Valley. Clos Saint Jean is run by brothers Vincent and Pascal Maurel and is considered amongst the very finest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with the majority of their vineyards located in the iconic sub-zone of Le Crau. The supremely limited production Deus Ex Machina is a blend of 70-to-100-year-old-vine Grenache (60%) and Mourvèdre (40%) and is generally the most powerful of all their cuvées. Best approached after around 10-15 years of age, the sublime 2017 release will almost certainly reward those with the patience. "I’ve been lucky enough to have the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus ex Machina numerous times over the past year, and while still youthful, it’s starting to shows hints of evolution and secondary nuances. Cassis, crushed rocks, graphite, beef blood and iron-like aromas and flavors are all present here, and it offers incredible depth and richness on the palate, with gorgeous purity, masses of tannin and a rock-star finish. A wine that could make you run out of adjectives, it too is another wine that goes flying off the scale." 100 points, Wine Advocate, 2014