2019 Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina
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The 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina is a towering effort and has the edge over the 2020. It's the opposite of shy, wafting from the glass with expressive aromas of cooked black fruits, raisins, licorice, cloves, garrigue , graphite, roasted meat, tobacco and a splash of mint. Expanding vertically on the palate, it is a multi-dimensional, powerful red, enveloped in velvety tannins and framed by lively acidity. Its finish is extremely long and persistent. Although it is delicious, one glass will do for me as it is almost too much to absorb.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
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Also pure perfection in a glass, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Deus-Ex Machina is a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre, from tiny yields and the famed La Crau lieu-dit, that’s raised in a mix of concrete tanks and demi-muids. My notes on this wine were loaded with expletives and finishes with “awesome, just awesome.” Blackcurrants, kirsch liqueur, licorice, spiced meat, and Provençal garrigue all define this incredible achievement, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, remarkable purity, building, silky tannins, and a mammoth-sized finish. More 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 cruise for 20-25 years if stored correctly. Along with the 2007, 2010, and 2016, this is a legendary Châteauneuf du Pape. Hats off to the Maurel family and oenologue Philippe Cambie.
Much like the La Combe des Fous, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina seems denser and more concentrated and powerful than the more elegant 2018. Purple fruit and dark chocolate retain a remarkable degree of freshness in this full-bodied, velvety-textured and arguably over-exuberant puppy. There's tremendous material here, compressed into a potent ball of vinous energy that I expect will develop some more nuance and elegance over time.