2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina

One of the gems of the vintage is the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina which is as always, a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre. It offers sensational notes of blackberries, ground herbs, white chocolate and an undeniable meatiness (It reminds me of a butcher shop from the south of France) that develops with time in the glass. Full-bodied, perfumed, complex, elegant and layered, it doesn’t have the density of the 2016, 2010 or 2007, yet is seamless. Give bottles 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+. I’ve written so many glowing reviews on the wines of Clos Saint Jean I sometimes feel like a broken record. Nevertheless, this estate continues to go from strength to strength and has yet to make a misstep since I’ve been reviewing the wines. The estate makes five separate red cuvees: a traditional cuvee based largely on Grenache from all the estate parcels; a Vieilles Vignes cuvee that’s slightly more Grenache dominated and from older vines (this cuvee is only for the US Market); the Combe des Fous based on Grenache, Syrah and Vaccarèse; the Sanctus Sanctorum which is 100% Grenache all from a single parcel in the la Crau lieu-dit; and lastly the Deus Ex Machina which is a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre. Any of the three special cuvees would suffice as a dessert island wine for yours truly.

Saturated ruby. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet displays dark berry compote, cherry pit and Indian spice aromas, along with notes of anise and dried lavender. Seamless and spicy on the palate, offering deeply concentrated, sweet blackberry and floral pastille flavors underscored by a spine of smoky minerality. Velvety tannins build slowly on the penetrating finish, which shows superb clarity and power and leaves behind sappy dark berry and allspice notes.