2018 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina Magnum

Bottled in an impressive magnum format, the 2018 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina is a powerful yet remarkably elegant expression of old-vine Grenache from one of the appellation’s benchmark estates. Sourced from a tiny, low-yielding parcel in the famed La Crau sector, it shows why Clos Saint Jean is consistently counted among the very top names in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This cuvée marries hedonistic richness with a refined, silky structure, reflecting both the historic pedigree of the vineyard (planted in 1905) and the estate’s modern precision in the cellar.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this 2018 Deus Ex Machina Magnum shows a deep, dense ruby color with a vibrant, almost garnet rim, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is layered and opulent: ripe kirsch, black cherries, pomegranate and stone fruits are interwoven with notes of vanilla, cedar, licorice and a touch of baking spice from the new demi-muid barrels. Subtle hints of garrigue, dried flowers and warm stones add a distinctly southern Rhône signature. On the palate, it is full-bodied and generous, yet lifted and surprisingly graceful for its scale. Lush cherry and dark berry fruit dominate initially, followed by nuances of kirsch liqueur, plum, sweet spice, licorice and a faint suggestion of cocoa. The oak is present in tones of vanilla and cedar, wrapped around a core of silky, fine-grained tannins and rounded, persistent acidity that keeps the wine from ever feeling heavy or hot. The finish is long, suave and mouthcoating, with gently drying wood tannins and lingering red-fruit sweetness. In magnum, this 2018 has excellent aging potential: it can be enjoyed now for its hedonistic fruit, but will continue to gain complexity and better integrate its oak over the next 10–15 years, and likely beyond.

Production
Deus Ex Machina is drawn from a small, historic parcel in the legendary La Crau plateau of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an area famed for its sun-soaked galets roulés (large rounded stones), sandy-clay subsoils and constant Mistral winds. The vines, planted in 1905, yield naturally low quantities of exceptionally concentrated Grenache. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, then fully destemmed; depending on the vintage, some berries are gently crushed to fine-tune extraction. Fermentation takes place in traditional concrete vats, often lasting up to 35 days with extended maceration on the skins to capture color, flavor and tannin. After fermentation, the wine is aged in 640-liter oak demi-muids, a choice that offers both generous wood influence and textural polish while preserving the purity and intensity of the fruit.

Food & Serving
This is a luxurious, food-loving Châteauneuf-du-Pape that shines alongside rich, flavorful dishes: think slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary, duck confit, beef short ribs, grilled côte de boeuf, or game birds with truffle jus. Mediterranean-inspired plates such as herb-crusted lamb, ratatouille, roasted eggplant, or wild mushroom ragout also play beautifully with its spicy, kirsch-laced profile. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) to keep the freshness and balance in check. Given the concentration and youth of this 2018, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to open up the aromatics and soften the tannins, especially when pouring from magnum.

Producer
Clos Saint Jean is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s historic estates, with roots going back to the early 20th century and vineyards in some of the appellation’s most coveted sites, including La Crau. Long a respected name in the region, the domaine experienced a qualitative renaissance under the Maurel family, working in concert with top Rhône consultants to elevate Clos Saint Jean into the elite tier of Châteauneuf producers. Today, the estate is renowned for its richly textured, Grenache-driven wines, regularly earning top international scores and helping to define the modern, yet terroir-faithful style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Deus Ex Machina, produced only in select vintages and in limited quantities, stands among the flagship bottlings that cement the domaine’s reputation worldwide.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.