100-Pointed Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Clos Saint Jean: A Wine Lover's Dream

Since 2002, the Maurel brothers, Vincent and Pascal, along with their esteemed oenologist Philippe Cambie, have consistently elevated Clos Saint Jean to remarkable heights. Celebrated wine critic Jeb Dunnuck hails them as being “at the top of their game and producing some of the most singular, hedonistic, and brilliant wines in the world.” The acclaim from major critics is nearly universal, with Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate once proclaiming Clos Saint Jean as “one of the most exciting addresses not only in France but in the entire wine world.”

The 2019 Vintage: A Year of Excellence

The 2019 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is widely regarded as exceptional, joining the ranks of other legendary vintages like 2016, 2010, 2007, and 2001. The wines from this year are noted for their power, full-bodied richness, and complexity. Among these, Clos Saint Jean stands out, with nearly half of the coveted 100-point ratings from Jeb Dunnuck for the 2019 vintage being awarded to their wines. This achievement underscores the exceptional quality and consistency of Clos Saint Jean’s offerings.

La Combe des Fous: A Symphony of Grenache

One of the standout wines from Clos Saint Jean is La Combe des Fous. This cuvée is predominantly composed of 70% Grenache, with the vines planted in 1905 by Vincent and Pascal Maurel’s great-great-grandfather. This old-vine Grenache forms the backbone of the blend, which is complemented by 20% Syrah and small additions of Vaccarèse and Cinsault. The result is a wine of stunning complexity and depth. Jeb Dunnuck describes it as offering “sensationally pure cassis and blackberry fruits as well as complex notes of lavender, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, and flowers.” Remarkably, the 2019 vintage of La Combe des Fous achieved a 100-point rating for the first time, marking it as the finest rendition of this cuvée to date.

Deus Ex Machina: A Blockbuster Blend

Another icon in the Clos Saint Jean lineup is the Deus ex Machina. This wine is a blend of 60% old vine Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, creating a robust and powerful expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 2019 vintage of Deus ex Machina has garnered immense praise, with Jeb Dunnuck noting its “aromas of blackcurrants, kirsch liqueur, licorice, spiced meat, and Provençal garrigue.” He also highlights its “mammoth-sized finish,” emphasizing its remarkable balance and intensity. This wine has a storied track record, achieving 100-point scores in 2007, 2010, and 2016, and the 2019 vintage is poised to join these ranks as a legendary expression of the terroir.

Consistent Excellence and Future Prospects

The success of Clos Saint Jean is rooted in meticulous vineyard management, innovative winemaking practices, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Vincent and Pascal Maurel, along with Philippe Cambie, have mastered the art of crafting wines that are both hedonistic and elegant, capturing the essence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s diverse terroirs. The accolades from critics and the consistent high scores underscore their dedication and expertise.

As the 2019 vintage continues to garner acclaim, Clos Saint Jean’s reputation for producing some of the world’s most brilliant wines is further solidified. Collectors and enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate each release, knowing that each bottle represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and the unique character of the vineyards. With such a legacy of excellence, the future of Clos Saint Jean promises continued innovation and extraordinary wines that will captivate palates for years to come.

"My notes on this wine were loaded with expletives and finishes with “awesome, just awesome.” - Jeb Dunnuck

"It’s the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted and has another 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it." - Jeb Dunnuck

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Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous 2019 (1x75cl)

100 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Starting off a trio of truly magical wines, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous checks in as 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Vaccarèse and Cinsault raised in tank and demi-muids. Sensationally pure cassis and blackberry fruits as well as complex notes of lavender, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, and flowers all define this full-bodied 2019, which displays the vintage’s ripe, perfumed style while bringing more finesse, elegant, and purity than just about every other wine out there. It’s the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted and has another 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it.

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina 2019 (1x75cl)

100 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Also pure perfection in a glass, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Deus-Ex Machina is a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre, from tiny yields and the famed La Crau lieu-dit, that’s raised in a mix of concrete tanks and demi-muids. My notes on this wine were loaded with expletives and finishes with “awesome, just awesome.” Blackcurrants, kirsch liqueur, licorice, spiced meat, and Provençal garrigue all define this incredible achievement, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, remarkable purity, building, silky tannins, and a mammoth-sized finish. More Mourvèdre spice box and garrigue notes emerge with time in the glass, and while it has the fruit to offer pleasure now, it will benefit from a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 20-25 years if stored correctly. Along with the 2007, 2010, and 2016, this is a legendary Châteauneuf du Pape. Hats off to the Maurel family and oenologue Philippe Cambie.

 

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