2008 Clos Saint Jean, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Deus ex Machina

As Robert Parker noted upon release, the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina is the wine of the vintage. After ten years, it shows no sign of giving up that title, remaining rich, velvety and long. It's evolved in a meaty-savory direction, losing sweet fruit but retaining concentration, spicy complexity and tremendous length. It should continue to drink well through at least 2025.

The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus-Ex Machina is the wine of the vintage. A dense purple color is accompanied by astonishing levels of concentration, and loads of garrigue, steak tartare, grilled beef, Provencal herbs, blackberries, blueberries and a touch of graphite. Full-bodied and rich with moderate tannins and a long finish, this is an aberration for a 2008. However, if it’s a freak, it’s an extraordinary one. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 25 years.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #191 Oct 2010

Deeper and richer than the Combe des Fous, the 2008 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina, a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, delivers licorice-infused dark fruits, grilled meats, dried flowers, and subtle garrigue aromatics. This top ’08 is medium to full bodied with a firm, structured core, superb texture and a long, tannic finish. Give bottles 2 to 3 years in the cellar and then drink over the following 10+. Note, this bottle had been open for a day prior to tasting.

Vivid ruby. Seductively perfumed nose evokes raspberry preserves, potpourri and incense, with an intense spicy quality picking up power with aeration. Sappy red and dark berry flavors are silky in texture and complicated by rose pastille, clove and star anise nuances. Already very complex, highlighted by excellent finishing lift and a hint of medicinal cherry. This doesn't taste like it came from a difficult vintage.

Very sumptuous crimson. Rich nose that promises a lot. Sweet and rich and hedonistic. Still with lots of tannin on the end but there seems to be good energy here. I’m just a bit worried by all that dry tannin on the end...? (JR)