Clos Saint Jean was founded in 1900 in Chateauneuf du Pape and is still a small, family-run operation. The estate produces 12,500 cases annually. Brothers Pascal and Vincent Maurel run the business. Clos Saint Jean primarily produces Chateauneuf du Pape, including the Vieilles Vignes and several special cuvees including the Combe des Fous and Deus-Ex Machina. In 2002, Philippe Cambie was hired as consulting oenologist.
Clos Saint Jean Deus ex Machina is made with 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre.The old vine Grenache is aged in vat and the Mourvedre is aged in 100% new and used French oak barrels. The production is limited to 500 cases per year.
Blood red in color. 14.5% ABV. Riveting nose of red fruits, bacon fat, soy sauce and iron. Throwing a substantial amount of sediment. Medium body, concentrated and powerful. Plum, kirsch, olive brine and cherries on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long. Certainly the best bottle of CdP I have had from the ’04 vintage. An absolute tour de force! I’ll drink my last few bottles over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 95 points.
This wine stretches my comfort level on CdP pricing but I am sorely tempted to buy the ’15 for $120.