Clos Saint Jean
access wines available for saleDomaine Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Power, Precision, and Identity
Located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, Domaine Clos Saint Jean is one of the most iconic names in the Southern Rhône. Under the skilled leadership of Pascal and Vincent Maurel, this family-run estate has stood out for decades for the quality of its red wines, their mastered power, and structured elegance. Through meticulous work in both vineyard and cellar, Clos Saint Jean produces characterful cuvées built for aging and acclaimed by critics around the world.
A historic estate in the heart of the vineyard
Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, the estate today covers almost 45 hectares of vines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, with the majority of parcels located on the prestigious terroirs of La Crau, Les Serres and La Combe des Fous. The pebbly soils, typical of the region, enable optimal ripening of the grape varieties, especially Grenache, the estate’s king grape variety.
Exceptional grape varieties and terroirs
Clos Saint Jean mainly works with Grenache Noir, complemented by Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, and Counoise. White wine is produced in very limited quantities from Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc. This varietal richness is showcased through parcel-by-parcel vinification, revealing the soul of each site.
Precise and ambitious winemaking
Grapes are harvested at full maturity, hand-sorted with precision, and vinified with gentle extractions to preserve the natural concentration of the juice. Aging takes place in large oak casks, concrete tanks, or barrels, depending on the cuvée’s personality. No heavy filtration is used, to maintain texture and fruit expression. The estate follows sustainable practices with a strong focus on biodiversity and soil health.
Signature cuvées, highly praised
Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red
A broad, sunny, and generous Châteauneuf-du-Pape
This flagship cuvée reflects the full identity of Clos Saint Jean’s various terroirs. Dominated by Grenache, it embodies the generosity of the Southern Rhône in a balanced and accessible style.
Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Vaccarèse
Nose: Jammy red fruits, garrigue, licorice, sweet pepper
Palate: Round and full, with supple tannins and a warm finish
Cellaring: 10 to 15 years
Pairings: Provençal beef stew, herb-crusted lamb, aged cheeses
Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape white
A rare and expressive white from the Southern Rhône
Produced in small volumes, this white reveals freshness, tension, and complexity. It comes from old vines planted on sandy and clay-limestone soils.
Blend: Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc
Nose: White flowers, pear, pineapple, and honeyed notes
Palate: Ample yet taut, with a mineral finish
Cellaring: 5 to 10 years
Pairings: Sauced fish, truffled poultry, vegetable risotto
Clos Saint Jean Deus Ex Machina
A bold, deep, and majestic wine
Made from a Grenache-Mourvèdre blend, this ambitious cuvée impresses with its volume, concentration, and aging capacity. It combines Grenache’s richness with Mourvèdre’s structure.
Blend: Predominantly Grenache, Mourvèdre
Nose: Black fruit, truffle, leather, exotic spices
Palate: Structured and intense, with velvety texture and remarkable length
Cellaring: 20 to 30 years
Pairings: Hare à la royale, wild boar stew, truffle-based dishes
Clos Saint Jean La Combe des Fous
Complexity and tension from a unique terroir
From a sloped plot with sandy, stony soils, this cuvée blends Grenache, Syrah, and Vaccarèse in a more vertical and focused interpretation of the Clos Saint Jean style.
Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Vaccarèse
Nose: Crushed strawberry, dried rose, incense, white pepper
Palate: Elegant and vibrant, with a mineral backbone and peppery finish
Cellaring: 15 to 20 years
Pairings: Guinea fowl with morels, spiced veal, refined cuisine
Clos Saint Jean Sanctus Sanctorum
A sacred, rare, and iconic cuvée
Produced only in exceptional vintages, this 100% Grenache comes from a single parcel in the heart of La Crau. Vinified and aged in new demi-muids, it represents the pinnacle of Clos Saint Jean’s style.
Blend: 100% Grenache
Nose: Black cherry, ink, violet, noble wood
Palate: Massive yet elegant, with firm tannins and rare energy
Cellaring: 25 to 35 years
Pairings: Dry-aged ribeye, haute cuisine, rare moments
Noteworthy vintages
Clos Saint Jean’s most accomplished vintages include 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The 2020 Vieilles Vignes, 2021 Deus Ex Machina, and 2018 Sanctus Sanctorum are among the most sought-after bottles by collectors.
Buying Clos Saint Jean wines
Clos Saint Jean wines are available online at thebestvintage.fr, with fast delivery. The following cuvées are currently offered:
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Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020
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Clos Saint Jean Vieilles Vignes 2019
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Clos Saint Jean Deus Ex Machina 2021
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Clos Saint Jean Blanc 2020
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Clos Saint Jean Sanctus Sanctorum 2016
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Coffrets cadeaux Clos Saint Jean
Whether you’re a fan of bold wines, age-worthy cuvées, or looking for a prestigious gift, Clos Saint Jean offers a remarkable range defined by consistency and a bold stylistic identity.
International recognition
The estate’s wines are regularly acclaimed by top wine media including Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Jeb Dunnuck, and La Revue du Vin de France. Some cuvées consistently earn scores between 97 and 100 points, a testament to the estate’s excellence and reliability.