Clos Saint-Jean Deus-Ex Machina Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023 (Magnum 1.5L)

“Cut from the same cloth, with perhaps a touch more structure, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Deus Ex-Machina is the classic blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre that has the Grenache aged all in concrete and the Mourvèdre in barrel. Offering red and black fruits, graphite, and violets, it's full-bodied, with a pure, layered, graceful mouthfeel, and shows more mid-palate depth, richness, and length than just about every other wine in the vintage. With flawless balance and a gorgeous finish, it's approachable today yet will be even better with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 15+ years in cold cellars. Drink 2025-2045.”

“A concentrated, showy red, with a caressing texture filled out with cherry, mulled plum, licorice and baking spices. Fine-grained tannins pick up steam for the solidly laced finish, lined with warm stone, iron and sandalwood smoke notes. Massive in scale, with a finessed, seductive finish. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Best from 2027 through 2042. 380 cases made, 54 cases imported.”

“Full-bodied, deep, dark, concentrated, and loaded with sweet, dark berries, pepper, licorice, smoke, and herbs, this is a hedonistic wine that will benefit from a few years in the bottle before you pull a cork. Drink from 2028-2040.”

“The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina is a head-turner. Ripe black fruits, melted licorice, garrigue and a touch of dried meat are all dialed up. A splash of menthol adds aromatic complexity and a drive of acidity. Full-bodied, round and concentrated, the bold 2023 packs flawless drive and energy all the way through to the long, complex finale.”