Domaine du Clos Saint Jean   Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina

2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina

By Domaine du Clos Saint Jean

2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina by Domaine du Clos Saint Jean, Rhone

A dramatic entry in the majestic lineage of wines from Domaine du Clos Saint Jean, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina commands attention with its bold personality and intricate complexity.

 

A Signature Vintage

This vintage showcases the winemaker's seamless blend of mastery and nature - offering a composition that beautifully captures the distinct characteristics of the 2011 harvest. The mix of Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes embraces the character of Rhone, painting an authentic portrait of this exceptional year.

The vintage treated the grapes kindly in Rhone, producing fruit that teems with grace and poise. As such, the resulting wine is a dialogue between temperate weather patterns, deft hands in both vineyard and cellar, and the unique nature of Rhone terroir.

 

A Tapestry of Flavours

In this superb example of Chateauneuf du Pape, we find potent streams of black cherries interwoven with touches of spice, crushed rock, and undergrowth. This symphony unfolds gradually on the palate - slow dancing through a performance that’s both divine and meticulously balanced.

 

An Investment Pioneer

With its finely dressed tannins and impressively sustained fruitiness, it's clear why Domaine du Clos Saint Jean’s 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina makes a compelling cornerstone for any serious fine wine investment portfolio—an intrinsic slice of an outstanding year's historical tapestry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the captivating narrative behind this wine acts as an evolving artwork on the canvas of the palate. It is a mélange of all that sets the 2011 Rhone year apart, from weather peculiarities to its unique terroir. Indeed, the Deus Ex Machina is more than just a wine - it’s an experience, an eloquent soliloquy from the storied vineyards of Domaine du Clos Saint Jean. Invest in the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina today, and imbibe in a truly priceless masterpiece imprinted with the soul of Rhone.

Current market price

£1,130.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

62.78

Scores and tasting notes

98

The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus ex Machina is a stunner in the vintage. Like the Combe des Fous, it has incredible elegance, as well as the forward, sexy nature of the vintage. Kirsch liqueur, currants, toast, sandalwood, and graphite are just some of the nuances here. The wine hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel and beautifully polished tannin on the finish. Give it another year or two and drink it through 2026. Since taking control of the estate in 2002, and bringing on board rock star consultant Philippe Cambie, the Maurel brothers has been knocking it out of the park in literally every vintage. 2004? Gorgeous wines and easily at the top in a recent retrospective. The cooler, rainy 2008? Beautiful ripeness and texture, and again, at the top of the hierarchy. 2011 is the same story, and it’s amazing what this team has accomplished in all of their vintages. Looking at this retrospective, we went through all of their cuvees going back to 2003. Unfortunately, there’s no new information here, and this tasting simply confirmed what myself and Robert Parker have been saying for some time now; Clos Saint Jean is at the top of their game and producing some of the most singular, hedonistic and brilliant wines in the world. Starting out with the classic Chateauneuf du Pape, it’s normally a blend of 75% Grenache, with the balance a mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Muscardin and Vaccarese. As is common at this estate, the Grenache is aged all in tank, and the other varieties in a mix of tank and barrels. While I think this cuvee always lags the Vieilles Vignes bottling, it is consistently outstanding and always a super value. Moving to the old vine cuvee, this is made especially for the US Market and is 85% tank aged, old vine Grenache, and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre. It too almost always represents a crazy value and has a broad drink window. I’m currently finishing up a case of the ’08, and purchased two cases of the 2010, which is just starting to open back up after closing down shortly after release. As to the Combe des Fous release, this cuvée comes from a single plot of vines and is based largely on Grenache, with roughly 20% Syrah and 10% each of Vaccarese and Cinsault in the blend. The Grenache is aged all in tank and the other components see time in mostly demi-muids. While the Deux ex Machina always impresses more with its overt power and muscle, this cuvee always seems more polished, fine and elegant to me. One of the greatest cuvees on earth, the Maurel brother’s Sanctus Sanctorum is 100% Grenache that comes from a single plot of vines in the La Crau lieu dit. Aged all in demi-muid, it’s been one of the greatest wines I’ve ever tasted, every time I’ve tasted it. All three of these were sheer perfection on this occasion, yet each has its own unique profile. Lastly, and always the most powerful of the cuvees, the Deus Ex Machina is a blend of 60% tank aged Grenache and 40% demi-muid aged Mourvedre that all comes from 70-100 year old vines. The Mourvedre component is really what defines this cuvee, and it possesses the most obvious structure and mid-palate richness in the lineup. Seeming to hit maturity around age 10 or so, it can be consumed relatively early in its life due to its wealth of fruit, texture, and incredibly polished tannin. In addition, don’t miss this cuvee in the lighter vintages, as even their 2004 and 2008 show classic character and no shortage of richness. Importers: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

Jeb Dunnuck - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014

Vintage performance