2008 Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina
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As Robert Parker noted upon release, the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina is the wine of the vintage. After ten years, it shows no sign of giving up that title, remaining rich, velvety and long. It's evolved in a meaty-savory direction, losing sweet fruit but retaining concentration, spicy complexity and tremendous length. It should continue to drink well through at least 2025.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Vivid ruby. Seductively perfumed nose evokes raspberry preserves, potpourri and incense, with an intense spicy quality picking up power with aeration. Sappy red and dark berry flavors are silky in texture and complicated by rose pastille, clove and star anise nuances. Already very complex, highlighted by excellent finishing lift and a hint of medicinal cherry. This doesn't taste like it came from a difficult vintage.
Deeper and richer than the Combe des Fous, the 2008 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina, a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, delivers licorice-infused dark fruits, grilled meats, dried flowers, and subtle garrigue aromatics. This top ’08 is medium to full bodied with a firm, structured core, superb texture and a long, tannic finish. Give bottles 2 to 3 years in the cellar and then drink over the following 10+. Note, this bottle had been open for a day prior to tasting.
Vivid ruby. Exotically perfumed aromas of raspberry and boysenberry preserves, allspice and star anise, with notes of smoky herbs and flowers gaining strength with air. Juicy, penetrating red fruit flavors are given spine by zesty acidity and pick up dusty tannins on the back half. Very fine-grained and elegant wine with impressive finishing clarity and spicy cut. And a potential star of the vintage.