2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Deus Ex Machina, Clos St. Jean
Crafted from 60% tank-aged, old vine Grenache and 40% old vine Mourvèdre, aged in a mixture of new and one year old oak barrels. Robert Parker is a big fan, commenting that the 2007 vintage of this wine was possibly “the single greatest red wine I have ever tasted”. Furthermore he writes “A candidate for wine of the vintage is the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus-Ex Machina.” Aromatically pure and appealing, the nose is rich and focused, with notes of smoke, toast, black cherry, damson and plum skin. A sweet-fruited, creamy attack leads to a spicy, exotic palate – mouth-filling, expansive. Mourvèdre’s tightening grip is evidenced on the finish, bringing its trademark taut focus. An opulent, velvet-textured wine that is nonetheless long and mineral-laden. Powerful tannins and rich, spicy warmth on finish, but in no way heavy or cloying. A wonderful, subtle toast note on the finish, which will integrate and add complexity with bottle age.