2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina continues to drink amazingly well, with hints of mushroom and truffle giving way to reveal red-raspberry fruit, orange zest and Campari-like spice notes. Full-bodied and concentrated, slightly open-knit in feel, with a long, silky finish, it should continue to drink well for several more years. The Maurel family seems to excel in so-called difficult vintages, testament to their work in the vineyards, and this 2011 is no exception.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Vivid ruby. Explosive aromas of raspberry, cherry-cola, potpourri and anise. Vibrant and precise on entry, then broad and fleshy in the mid-palate, showing a creamy, liqueur-like quality to its red berry and floral pastille flavors. Juicy, intense and expansive, with impressive depth, focus and finishing power. I was looking for tannins and couldn't find them underneath this wine's flamboyant fruit.
Bright ruby. An exotic bouquet displays red fruit preserves, cola, sandalwood and smoky minerals. Coats the palate with intense black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and picks up sweet floral pastille and fruitcake nuances with air. Strikingly deep and focused on the finish, which clings with outstanding tenacity and harmonious tannins. (JR)
The most tannic style. 60% 100-year-old Grenache from red clay. 40% Mourvèdre. Very different nose from the others – still quite oak touched. Firm, savoury nose and then masses of round fruit on the palate. Chock full of spice and tannin – and quite tight on the end. Very firm! (JR)