{"product_id":"2018-clos-saint-jean-chateauneuf-du-pape-deus-ex-machina-jeroboam-3-liter","title":"2018 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina Jeroboam (3 liter)","description":"\u003cp\u003eBottled in an imposing 3-liter Jeroboam, the 2018 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina is a showpiece for both the cellar and the table. Sourced from venerable old vines in the famed La Crau sector, this 100% Grenache cuvée marries hedonistic richness with surprising finesse. As one of the flagship wines from one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s top estates, it captures the generosity, power, and elegance that have made the appellation world-famous.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, this 2018 Deus Ex Machina reveals a deep, saturated ruby to garnet hue with a luminous rim that hints at its concentration and youth. The nose is layered and expressive: waves of ripe kirsch, black cherry, and plum are wrapped in notes of vanilla, cedar, and sweet spice from its demi-muid élevage, with hints of licorice, pomegranate, and warm stones adding complexity.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet poised, delivering lush cherry and dark stone fruit framed by fine, lightly drying wood tannins. The texture is broad and silky, with a core of juicy red and black fruits lifted by rounded, lingering acidity. Subtle notes of garrigue, anise, and cocoa emerge with air, leading into a long, seamless finish where the tannins, fruit, and oak remain beautifully intertwined. In Jeroboam format, this 2018 has excellent aging potential, capable of evolving gracefully for 15–20+ years, with the larger bottle size further slowing development and enhancing complexity over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe fruit for Deus Ex Machina comes from a small parcel in the legendary La Crau plateau of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an area famed for its galets roulés (large rounded stones), sandy-clay soils, and exceptional exposure. These Grenache vines, planted in 1905, yield naturally low quantities of intensely flavored grapes. Harvesting is done by hand, with careful selection in the vineyard. After picking, the bunches are destemmed and, depending on the vintage, partially crushed before fermentation. The must ferments in traditional concrete vats, with maceration and skin contact lasting up to 35 days to extract color, aroma, and structure. Following fermentation, the wine is matured in large 640-liter oak demi-muids, which impart subtle vanilla and cedar notes while preserving the purity and depth of the old-vine Grenache.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a powerful yet refined Châteauneuf-du-Pape that shines alongside richly flavored dishes: think slow-braised lamb shank, roast duck with cherry or pomegranate glaze, beef short ribs, or game birds with wild mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with Provençal stews, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (around 60–64°F); for optimal expression, especially from a Jeroboam, decant generously—at least 1–2 hours for youthful bottles, and longer if you prefer more secondary, savory nuances. This is a wine made for sharing around a large table and for lingering over multiple courses.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClos Saint Jean is widely regarded as one of the leading estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a heritage that stretches back generations in the southern Rhône. The estate has become a reference point for richly textured yet balanced wines that respect the traditional character of the appellation while embracing meticulous modern viticulture and winemaking. Its holdings include prime parcels in La Crau, among the most coveted terroirs in the region, and the domaine’s top cuvées regularly receive international acclaim and high scores from leading critics. Alongside its benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, Clos Saint Jean also crafts one of the standout Vin de Pays de Vaucluse bottlings, further underlining its reputation for quality across the range.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clos Saint Jean","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255148368209,"sku":"GCW-MMUI-182251-2","price":615.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/ma022_19_0_1713526087867_1.jpg?v=1783456682","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2018-clos-saint-jean-chateauneuf-du-pape-deus-ex-machina-jeroboam-3-liter","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}