Our Rating
Rhône Valley
60% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre
The Southern Rhône Valley is known for its warmth and generosity, yet the 2021 vintage presented cooler conditions that demanded precision in the vineyard. Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina 2021 navigates these variables successfully. This cuvée, often regarded for its power and depth, maintains its reputation even in a year marked by freshness rather than sheer heat. With a blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, the wine showcases the resilience of old vines and careful selection. It stands as a testament to the high standards maintained at this estate, offering a complex profile that balances the natural intensity of the fruit with the structural rigor required for aging.
Clos Saint-Jean is a family-run estate located in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Owned by the Maurel family, the property has risen to prominence over the last two decades, largely due to a shift toward a more modern and precise style of winemaking. The estate covers roughly 40 hectares and includes significant plantings on the famous “La Crau” plateau, a site characterized by its galets roulés (rolled stones) that retain heat and aid in fruit maturation.
The winery focuses on low yields and meticulous fruit sorting to ensure concentration. While they produce traditional expressions of the region, their special cuvées, including Deus Ex Machina, are celebrated for pushing the boundaries of texture and aromatic intensity. The approach here combines respect for the unique terroir of the Rhône with techniques that emphasize fruit purity and polished tannins.
The winemaking at Clos Saint-Jean has long been defined by the collaboration between the Maurel brothers, Vincent and Pascal, and the renowned oenologist Philippe Cambie. Cambie was a pivotal figure in the Southern Rhône, known for championing Grenache and advocating for clean, expressive wines with substantial body.
His influence is evident in the Deus Ex Machina. The philosophy involves destemming the fruit to manage tannin quality and utilizing long macerations to extract color and flavor without aggressive astringency. The Mourvèdre component is typically aged in barriques, adding structural support and subtle spice, while the Grenache remains in concrete vats to preserve its primary fruit characteristics. This combination results in a wine that is both intellectually interesting and technically sound.
The wine pours a deep, opaque ruby with purple highlights near the rim. It is dense and concentrated in the glass, showing high viscosity consistent with its 16% ABV.
The nose is expressive and layered. Initial aromas of blackberry, black plum, and kirsch lift from the glass, supported by savory notes of graphite and roasted herbs. As it opens, darker tones emerge, including licorice, black pepper, and a touch of cured meat derived from the Mourvèdre. There are subtle hints of vanilla and cedar, but the oak integration allows the ripe fruit and earth elements to remain in the foreground.
On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and authoritative. The attack brings flavors of boysenberry and black cherry, quickly followed by a savory mid-palate of crushed stone, iron, and thyme. The tannins are firm yet ripe, providing a granular grip that suggests longevity. Despite the elevated alcohol, the wine remains balanced by a spine of fresh acidity, a hallmark of the 2021 vintage. The finish is long and persistent, tapering slowly with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and dried fig.
The Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina 2021 is a well-executed expression of the variety and region. It manages the heat of the alcohol with sufficient fruit density and structural acidity. While approachable now with a decant of one to two hours, the firm tannic architecture indicates that it will benefit from further time in the bottle. It is a savory, dense, and focused wine that holds its place among the region’s more serious bottlings.
France
Rhône Valley
60% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre
16%
Philippe Cambie
1 - 2 Hours
Now - 2028
Clos Saint-Jean
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