Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina 2019

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Deus-Ex Machina is also pure perfection in a glass. This is a 60/40 blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre from tiny yields and the famous La Crau vineyard, matured in a mixture of concrete vats and demi-muids. My notes on this wine are full of swear words and end with "brilliant, simply brilliant". Blackcurrant, kirsch liqueur, liquorice, spicy meat and Provençal garrigue define this incredible success, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, remarkable purity, silky tannins and a gigantic finish. Mourvèdre spice box and garrigue notes emerge with time in the glass, and while it has the fruit to offer pleasure now, it will benefit from a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and will last for 20-25 years if stored properly. Along with the 2007, 2010 and 2016, this is a legendary Châteauneuf du Pape. Hats off to the Maurel family and oenologist Philippe Cambie... Jeb Dunnuck