2018 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum Magnum

The 2018 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum Magnum is one of the most coveted pure Grenache expressions from the Southern Rhône, drawn from some of the appellation’s oldest and most privileged vines. Produced only in top vintages and in tiny quantities, this is Clos Saint Jean’s most hedonistic and rare cuvée, offered here in the even more age-worthy magnum format. Sitting at the intersection of power, richness and almost Burgundian finesse, it represents Châteauneuf-du-Pape as it was originally envisioned: old vines, great terroir, and no compromise in the cellar.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Sanctus Sanctorum is deeply colored, with a vivid ruby to deep garnet core that hints at both concentration and youth. The nose is profuse and layered: ripe raspberries, black cherries and stone fruits are wrapped in sweet baking spices—cinnamon, clove and allspice—alongside notes of vanilla, cedar, and a touch of warm garrigue. Subtle hints of dried flowers, licorice and roasted herbs unfurl with air, underscoring its complexity. On the palate, this is a large-scaled yet remarkably poised wine—creamy in texture, dense and mouth-filling, but lifted by a fine line of acidity. Pure Grenache fruit drives the profile: lush red berries, kirsch, plum and blood orange, framed by velvety, lightly drying wood tannins that run from mid-palate through the very long, almost never-ending finish. Layers of spice and savory nuances—dried thyme, pepper, and exotic spice—add depth as it glides across the palate. In magnum, the 2018 has excellent aging potential; it is already seductive in its youth but should develop increased complexity, tertiary notes and greater harmony over 12–20+ years, depending on storage.

Production
Sanctus Sanctorum comes from a tiny parcel within the famed La Crau sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the appellation’s most legendary terroirs. Planted in 1905, these low-yielding Grenache vines dig deep through the classic galets roulés (large rolled stones), sandy-clay soils and underlying limestone, capturing both ripeness and freshness in equal measure. Harvesting is done by hand to preserve the integrity of the old-vine fruit, with strict selection in the vineyard and at the winery. After picking, the grapes are fully destemmed, and a portion may be gently crushed depending on the conditions of the vintage. Fermentation takes place in traditional concrete vats over an extended maceration that can run up to 35 days with the skins, extracting color, flavor and fine tannin. The wine is then matured in a combination of clay amphorae and new demi-muids (approximately 640-liter oak barrels), which allows Grenache’s generous fruit and texture to shine while adding subtle spice, structure and depth.

Food & Serving
This opulent, concentrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape calls for equally generous cuisine. It pairs beautifully with slow-braised lamb shanks, roast duck, venison or other game birds, as well as rich beef dishes such as daube Provençale. Truffle-infused dishes, mushroom ragouts and aged hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda, pecorino) also find a natural partner here. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F); in its youth, this wine benefits from a generous decant of 1.5–3 hours, especially in magnum, to allow the fruit, spice and subtle oak tones to fully open. As it matures, a shorter decant will be sufficient to remove any sediment and gently awaken its more evolved aromas.

Producer
Clos Saint Jean is widely regarded as one of the elite estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a long history in the appellation and a reputation cemented by numerous international top scores. The estate is particularly known for crafting powerful, richly textured wines that nevertheless maintain a clear sense of place, especially from top sites like La Crau. While its flagship focus is Châteauneuf-du-Pape—made in a style that honors the region’s traditional roots—Clos Saint Jean also produces one of the standout Vin de Pays de Vaucluse bottlings in the wider area. Over the past decades, the domaine has played a key role in showcasing just how profound old-vine Grenache can be, with cuvées like Sanctus Sanctorum earning a near-mythical status among Rhône collectors and helping to secure the estate’s position at the very top of the appellation.

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.