Clos Saint JeanProducer from Rhone, France

Clos Saint Jean, located in the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the Rhône Valley, is a winery that boasts a rich history and a reputation for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the region. The winery's legacy dates back to 1900, when it was established by Edmund Tacussel. Over the years, Clos Saint Jean has evolved, maintaining a deep connection to its terroir while embracing modern winemaking techniques.

"Even in the more difficult vintages, they’re able to produce charming, balanced, delicious wine, and in top vintages, they produce some of the greatest wines on earth. As I’ve written in the past, Clos Saint Jean is at the top of their game and producing some of the most singular, hedonistic and brilliant wines in the world." Jeb Dunnuck

The roots of Clos Saint Jean stretch back to the beginning of the 20th century when Edmund Tacussel founded the estate. The winery remained in the Tacussel family, eventually passing to Edmund's nephews, the Maurel brothers. It was their sons, Philippe and Vincent Maurel, who took over the reins in the early 2000s, driving the estate to new heights. Under their leadership and with the expertise of renowned winemaker Philippe Cambie, Clos Saint Jean has garnered international acclaim.

Terroir and Winemaking at Clos Saint Jean:

Clos Saint Jean's vineyards are spread across 40 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, encompassing some of the most prestigious parcels in the region. The terroir is characterised by its distinctive galets roulés (large, round stones) that cover the vineyard floor. These stones retain heat during the day and release it at night, promoting even ripening of the grapes. The soil beneath is a mix of sandy clay and limestone, which contributes to the complexity and structure of the wines.

The climate of the Rhône Valley, with its hot summers and mild winters, further enhances the quality of the grapes. The mistral wind, a defining feature of the region, helps to keep the vineyards dry and free from disease, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

The winemaking philosophy at Clos Saint Jean combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are harvested by hand to ensure only the best fruit is selected. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tanks, allowing for precise temperature control. The wines are then aged in a mix of concrete vats, foudres, and French oak barrels, depending on the specific requirements of each cuvée. This careful ageing process imparts complexity and depth to the wines, while preserving the purity of the fruit.

Wine Style of Clos Saint Jean:

Clos Saint Jean is renowned for its powerful, full-bodied wines that showcase the rich, ripe fruit characteristic of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The estate's wines are predominantly made from Grenache, often blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other traditional Rhône varietals. These wines are known for their intense aromas of black fruit, spices, and garrigue, with a luscious, velvety texture on the palate. Despite their power, Clos Saint Jean’s wines maintain a balance and elegance, thanks to the meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and winery.

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Wines produced at Clos Saint Jean:

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a classic expression of the region, primarily made from Grenache, with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre. This wine offers rich aromas of dark fruits, spices, and garrigue. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-balanced, showcasing ripe blackberries, plums, and a hint of pepper. The wine’s velvety texture and fine tannins make it both approachable in its youth and capable of ageing gracefully.

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is crafted from old vines, primarily Grenache, yielding a wine of remarkable depth and concentration. This wine exudes powerful aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and Provencal herbs. The palate is lush and intense, with layers of dark fruit, liquorice, and spice. The structure is robust yet refined, supported by well-integrated tannins. This cuvée offers exceptional ageing potential, revealing more complexity over time.

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous is an exquisite blend dominated by Grenache, complemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. This wine is renowned for its aromatic complexity, featuring notes of ripe black fruits, lavender, and exotic spices. On the palate, it is rich and opulent, with flavours of blackberry, plum, and hints of mocha. The silky tannins and balanced acidity provide a long, elegant finish, making it a standout wine in the lineup.

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina

Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina is a remarkable blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, offering extraordinary intensity and complexity. This wine presents profound aromas of blackcurrant, liquorice, and smoked meats. The palate is powerful and full-bodied, with dense layers of dark fruit, chocolate, and earthy undertones. The rich texture and firm tannins are beautifully balanced by a vibrant acidity, culminating in a long, impressive finish. This cuvée is built for extended ageing, revealing its grandeur over decades.