Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone Wine, Complete Guide

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf

Learn everything about Clos Saint Jean, Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting notes, wine and food pairing tips, best vintages, a history of the property and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important wineries and wine makers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles

Clos Saint Jean History, Overview

Clos Saint Jean has a history in Chateauneuf du Pape that can be dated all the way to the very start of the twentieth century. The estate was created by Edmund Tacussel in 1900. The Tacussel family also founded what later became Domaine Moulin Tacussel.

Within a decade of its creation, Clos Saint Jean was ready to begin producing. bottling and selling their own wine, which they’ve been doing since 1910. However, Clos Saint Jean did not begin to earn fame until the 2003 vintage, which caused the famous wine critic, Robert Parker to extol the estate’s virtues, and the rest as they say, is history.

Today, Pascal Maurel and Vincent Maurel manage Clos Saint Jean. They brought in Philippe Cambie in 2002 as their consultant. Since 2003, the brothers have completely turned this previously unknown estate around.

Prior to 2003, the wines were fine, but undistinguished Southern Rhone wines. After 2003, with hard work and assistance of their consultant Philippe Cambie, they have never looked back.

Clos Saint Jean Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking

The vineyards of Clos Saint Jean are planted on 44 hectares located on the stony terroir of La Crau. 1 hectare of vines is reserved for grapes used in making white Chateauneuf du Pape wine.

Clos Saint Jean believes in complete destemming of the berries. The maceration period her is long and can last up to 35 days. The Grenache is never aged in any type of wood. But the Mourvedre and Syrah is aged in a combination of one year old and two year old oak barrels.

The best vintages of Clos Saint Jean are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2003.

Clos Saint Jean produces 5 red Chateauneuf du Pape wines and 1 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc. The estate believes in complete destemming, long macerations and while Grenache is not aged in wood, other varietals are aged in one year old, French oak barrels.

The different Chateauneuf du Pape wines produced at Clos St. Jean are:

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf du Pape is made from 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre, 3% Cinsault, 2% Vaccarese and 1% Muscardin. The production is close to 7,000 cases per year.

Clos Saint Jean La Combe des Fous comes primarily from old vine Grenache planted at the start of the 20th century. The blend is usually 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Vaccarese.

The owners clearly have a sense of humor. The name, loosely translated into hill of fools earned its moniker for the difficult terroir as the rocks in and on the soils are huge! The production is only 500 cases per year.

Clos Saint Jean Deus ex Machina is made with 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre.The old vine Grenache is aged in vat and the Mourvedre is aged in 100% new and used French oak barrels. The production is limited to 500 cases per year.

Clos Saint Jean Sanctus Sanctorum is produced from 100% old vine Grenache that was planted over 100 years ago. This small production wine is available only in magnum. For 2007, the debut vintage, just 350 magnums were produced. Try finding a bottle, it is worth the effort a price.

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is produced from equal parts Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette. The wine is aged in a combination of new, French oak barrels and vats. The production is quite small with than less than 350 cases made per year.

When to Drink Clos Saint Jean, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Clos Saint Jean is best with decanting in its youth of between 1-3 hours allowing the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Clos Saint Jean is usually better with 4-6 years of bottle age. Of course that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. In the best vintages the wine should be consumed within 5-20 years after the vintage.

Serving Clos Saint Jean with Wine, Food Pairing Tips

Clos Saint Jean is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Clos Saint Jean is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed dishes, sausage, barbecue and cassoulet. Clos Saint Jean is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms, pasta, eggplant, tomatoes and cheese.

The white wine of Clos Saint Jean is best served with a myriad of different seafood dishes, shellfish, crab, lobster, sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork and veal, as well as Asian cuisine.

www.closstjean.fr

Clos Saint Jean Wine Tasting Notes

38 Vintages 202,433 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2017
97
One of the darkest, most powerful, concentrated wines of the vintage, with just a pop and pour you easily find a wall of inky, deep, lusciously textured, dark red fruits, spice, wet earth and black pepper. Full-bodied and richly textured, the wine demands at least 7 years or so before it really starts to show its true essence. This is one of the wines of the vintage. The wine is made from blending 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre.

One of the darkest, most powerful, concentrated wines of the vintage, with just a pop and pour you easily find a wall of inky, deep, lusciously textured, dark red fruits, spice, wet earth and black pepper. Full-bodied and richly textured, the wine demands at least 7 years or so before it really starts to show its true essence. This is one of the wines of the vintage. The wine is made from blending 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre.

5,893 Views   Tasted
2017
96
Deep in color, the wine explodes with its dark red fruits, fresh cracked black pepper, earthy garrigue, crushed rocks and flowers. Rich and intense, with ample, sweet, ripe, kirsch and cherries that go on and on, this supple blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Vaccarese is quite strong, especially considering the vintage.

Deep in color, the wine explodes with its dark red fruits, fresh cracked black pepper, earthy garrigue, crushed rocks and flowers. Rich and intense, with ample, sweet, ripe, kirsch and cherries that go on and on, this supple blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Vaccarese is quite strong, especially considering the vintage.

4,435 Views   Tasted
2017
93
Dark cherries, black raspberry, juicy plum and black pepper nuances get you focused on the round, lush, fruity, rich wine. Forward, with the ability to age for at least 12 years or more. There is a slight touch of heat in the finish, but there is so much fruit, it doesn't really stand out that much. This is already starting to show well.

Dark cherries, black raspberry, juicy plum and black pepper nuances get you focused on the round, lush, fruity, rich wine. Forward, with the ability to age for at least 12 years or more. There is a slight touch of heat in the finish, but there is so much fruit, it doesn't really stand out that much. This is already starting to show well.

3,961 Views   Tasted
2017
92
Medium/full-bodied, forward, ripe, lush, fresh, sweet and juicy, the red cherries, thyme and herb nuances taste and feel great. You can drink this as soon as it hits the shelf while waiting for its bigger stablemates to evolve and mature.

Medium/full-bodied, forward, ripe, lush, fresh, sweet and juicy, the red cherries, thyme and herb nuances taste and feel great. You can drink this as soon as it hits the shelf while waiting for its bigger stablemates to evolve and mature.

3,479 Views   Tasted
2016
96
Full, rich, deep, dark, and loaded with black raspberries, spice box, black plums, smoke, and licorice, the wine is a textural experience with its layers of lush, opulent, dark red fruits. Long and lingering on the palate, this is ready to go. Drink from 2022-2037.

Full, rich, deep, dark, and loaded with black raspberries, spice box, black plums, smoke, and licorice, the wine is a textural experience with its layers of lush, opulent, dark red fruits. Long and lingering on the palate, this is ready to go. Drink from 2022-2037.

3,622 Views   Tasted
2015
97
Love this wine. Power and complexity, purity and freshness, lushness and length, there are all here. The wine is mouth filling, and still perfectly balanced, which is a good thing as you really want more of the juicy kirsch, plum and peppery black raspberry that keeps on coming. The wine was made from blending 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre.

Love this wine. Power and complexity, purity and freshness, lushness and length, there are all here. The wine is mouth filling, and still perfectly balanced, which is a good thing as you really want more of the juicy kirsch, plum and peppery black raspberry that keeps on coming. The wine was made from blending 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre.

4,904 Views   Tasted
2015
96
Lots to love here, with its luscious, rich, dense, sensuous hedonistic textured red fruits. Speaking of fruit, there are multiple layers of red, and dark red berries that paint your palate with layers of freshness and juice.

Lots to love here, with its luscious, rich, dense, sensuous hedonistic textured red fruits. Speaking of fruit, there are multiple layers of red, and dark red berries that paint your palate with layers of freshness and juice.

3,244 Views   Tasted
2015
90
Earthy, with plush, polished, ripe tannins, fresh, sweet, ripe, red fruits and a nice, purity in the soft textured, pure, kirsch finish.

Earthy, with plush, polished, ripe tannins, fresh, sweet, ripe, red fruits and a nice, purity in the soft textured, pure, kirsch finish.

3,930 Views   Tasted
2014
90
Early drinking, round, medium bodied, forward charmer, with a kirsch filled, core of fruit.

Early drinking, round, medium bodied, forward charmer, with a kirsch filled, core of fruit.

2,121 Views   Tasted
2013
92
A really good wine for the vintage with an abundance of fresh, sweet black cherries, licorice and fresh herbs. The wine has a softness and polish that feels great as it delivers its sensation of pure fruits.

A really good wine for the vintage with an abundance of fresh, sweet black cherries, licorice and fresh herbs. The wine has a softness and polish that feels great as it delivers its sensation of pure fruits.

1,817 Views   Tasted
2013
90
Lush, soft textures, sweet and spicy red fruits and freshness are the hallmarks of this elegantly styled wine.

Lush, soft textures, sweet and spicy red fruits and freshness are the hallmarks of this elegantly styled wine.

2,952 Views   Tasted
2013
90
2013 is a better vintage for the white wines of Chateauneuf du Pape than for the red, which is perfectly illustrated here. Filled with notes of flowers, citrus and white peach, the wine is soft, luscious and leaves with you fresh, sweet citrus fruits.

2013 is a better vintage for the white wines of Chateauneuf du Pape than for the red, which is perfectly illustrated here. Filled with notes of flowers, citrus and white peach, the wine is soft, luscious and leaves with you fresh, sweet citrus fruits.

2,017 Views   Tasted
2012
95
It is hard to believe this is already a decade old, and it's from 2012 as the wine remains youthful, but it's the truth. Full-bodied, concentrated and jam-packed with dark red fruits, earth, thyme, herbs, smoke, and peppery spices. Rich, robust, and mouth-filling, this is drinking beautifully today. The length and intensity of fruit in the finish get your attention.

It is hard to believe this is already a decade old, and it's from 2012 as the wine remains youthful, but it's the truth. Full-bodied, concentrated and jam-packed with dark red fruits, earth, thyme, herbs, smoke, and peppery spices. Rich, robust, and mouth-filling, this is drinking beautifully today. The length and intensity of fruit in the finish get your attention.

3,070 Views   Tasted
Sublime example of Chateauneuf du Pape. Mineral driven, with garrigue, pepper, dark red fruits and just a hint of oak, the wine is mouth filling, long and fresh, leaving you with the opulent, fat sensation of fresh, spicy, black raspberries that lingers. This is pure deliciousness in a bottle, which is what you'd expect when you blend some of the best old vine Grenache and Mourvedre in the appellation. This could be a contender for the best wine of the vintage.

Sublime example of Chateauneuf du Pape. Mineral driven, with garrigue, pepper, dark red fruits and just a hint of oak, the wine is mouth filling, long and fresh, leaving you with the opulent, fat sensation of fresh, spicy, black raspberries that lingers. This is pure deliciousness in a bottle, which is what you'd expect when you blend some of the best old vine Grenache and Mourvedre in the appellation. This could be a contender for the best wine of the vintage.

4,734 Views   Tasted
2012
94
Clos Saint Jean is clearly on a roll. And this vintage of La Combe de Fous is no exception. Thyme, black cherry, earth and tapenade on the nose. With lush, round, fat, juicy textures, full body and a rich, kirsch and black cherry blast in the end note. The wine is sweet, yet retains its freshness.

Clos Saint Jean is clearly on a roll. And this vintage of La Combe de Fous is no exception. Thyme, black cherry, earth and tapenade on the nose. With lush, round, fat, juicy textures, full body and a rich, kirsch and black cherry blast in the end note. The wine is sweet, yet retains its freshness.

3,291 Views   Tasted
2012
92
Already showing its charms, there is good weight, freshness, lush, sweet, cherries and soft, refined tannins. Not a wine I woud age for more than a decade, give or take a few years. But so what, it's really tasty today.

Already showing its charms, there is good weight, freshness, lush, sweet, cherries and soft, refined tannins. Not a wine I woud age for more than a decade, give or take a few years. But so what, it's really tasty today.

3,674 Views   Tasted
2012
91
Garrigue, pepper and kirsch filled nose, with soft textures and a fresh, peppery, ripe, black raspberry and sweet, thyme infused, kirsch fruit finish.

Garrigue, pepper and kirsch filled nose, with soft textures and a fresh, peppery, ripe, black raspberry and sweet, thyme infused, kirsch fruit finish.

3,269 Views   Tasted
2011
87
Medium bodied, with a fresh, red fruit, herbal and olive tapenade center that seems to have a dusty texture in the finish.

Medium bodied, with a fresh, red fruit, herbal and olive tapenade center that seems to have a dusty texture in the finish.

2,725 Views   Tasted
2010
98
Deep, incredibly concentrated and almost overflowing with everything that is great about Chateauneuf, this massive, yet perfectly balanced wine fills your mouth with layer after layer of fresh, sweet, perfectly ripe fruits. The finish lasts for at least 40 seconds!

Deep, incredibly concentrated and almost overflowing with everything that is great about Chateauneuf, this massive, yet perfectly balanced wine fills your mouth with layer after layer of fresh, sweet, perfectly ripe fruits. The finish lasts for at least 40 seconds!

7,745 Views   Tasted
2010
96
Powerful, rich and intense, the nose gets you going with its earthy red berries, spice, jam and peppery aromas. On the palate, the wine is rich, fresh, concentrated lushly textured, finishing with layers of spicy, fresh red and black fruits.

Powerful, rich and intense, the nose gets you going with its earthy red berries, spice, jam and peppery aromas. On the palate, the wine is rich, fresh, concentrated lushly textured, finishing with layers of spicy, fresh red and black fruits.

7,255 Views   Tasted
2010
94
Floral, spice, licorice and kirsch notes with scents of earth are all over the place. On the palate, the wine is filled with dense layers of silky, rich and peppery black and red cherries.

Floral, spice, licorice and kirsch notes with scents of earth are all over the place. On the palate, the wine is filled with dense layers of silky, rich and peppery black and red cherries.

4,492 Views   Tasted
2010
91
A terrific, forward styled wine packed with sweet, round, peppery, jammy cherries, soft textures and garrigue.

A terrific, forward styled wine packed with sweet, round, peppery, jammy cherries, soft textures and garrigue.

5,189 Views   Tasted
2009
98
Stunning in every sense of the word. This incredibly concentrated, dense, richly textured wine serves up layer after layer of sweet, ripe, peppery juicy, plush fruits. The wine coats your palate with flavor, the finish sticks with you for close to 50 seconds. Even with all this heft, and ABV, the wine never tastes or feels hot, or over the top. Everything is in balance and harmony. Only made in magnum, I might not see another bottle, but one can dream.

Stunning in every sense of the word. This incredibly concentrated, dense, richly textured wine serves up layer after layer of sweet, ripe, peppery juicy, plush fruits. The wine coats your palate with flavor, the finish sticks with you for close to 50 seconds. Even with all this heft, and ABV, the wine never tastes or feels hot, or over the top. Everything is in balance and harmony. Only made in magnum, I might not see another bottle, but one can dream.

4,195 Views   Tasted
2009
97
Blending 60% old vine Grenache and 40% Mourvedre created a beauty of a wine. It's incredibly rich, with decadent, lush, silky textures, waves of liquefied kirsch, velvet tannins and a mouth coating finish that does not quit. Yeah, it's young. But it's so good, it's hard not to want to pop a bottle.

Blending 60% old vine Grenache and 40% Mourvedre created a beauty of a wine. It's incredibly rich, with decadent, lush, silky textures, waves of liquefied kirsch, velvet tannins and a mouth coating finish that does not quit. Yeah, it's young. But it's so good, it's hard not to want to pop a bottle.

4,984 Views   Tasted
2009
93
Round, fleshy, rich and ripe, with opulent textures and loads of dark, juicy, red fruits, licorice and pepper with just a bit of black raspberry jam, this is drinking well today.

Round, fleshy, rich and ripe, with opulent textures and loads of dark, juicy, red fruits, licorice and pepper with just a bit of black raspberry jam, this is drinking well today.

2,424 Views   Tasted
2009
92
Opulent in texture and already great in the glass, the wine is packed with an array of fresh cherries, herbs, pepper, garrigue and black raspberries. This luscious wine is fresh, clean and delicious.

Opulent in texture and already great in the glass, the wine is packed with an array of fresh cherries, herbs, pepper, garrigue and black raspberries. This luscious wine is fresh, clean and delicious.

5,055 Views   Tasted
2007
100
Speechless, yes, that is how I felt after my first sniff and sniff. From 60% old vine Grenache and 40% Mourvedre, this is thick, fat, rich, lush, luscious and lusty. It's also mouth filling and intense filling every nook and cranny in your mouth and on your palate. The finish remains for close to 60 seconds! I only wished I owned a few bottles of this magic elixir.

Speechless, yes, that is how I felt after my first sniff and sniff. From 60% old vine Grenache and 40% Mourvedre, this is thick, fat, rich, lush, luscious and lusty. It's also mouth filling and intense filling every nook and cranny in your mouth and on your palate. The finish remains for close to 60 seconds! I only wished I owned a few bottles of this magic elixir.

7,935 Views   Tasted
2007
98
Full bodied, deep, rich and intense, with serious concentration of flavor, the wine coats your palate with beautiful ripe, sweet, pure fruits and silky, opulent textures. The finish lingers for close to 50 seconds. The wine could be even better than this note, but being opened during Thanksgiving, I did not have time to focus on it.

Full bodied, deep, rich and intense, with serious concentration of flavor, the wine coats your palate with beautiful ripe, sweet, pure fruits and silky, opulent textures. The finish lingers for close to 50 seconds. The wine could be even better than this note, but being opened during Thanksgiving, I did not have time to focus on it.

4,789 Views   Tasted
2007 Clos St. Jean La Combe des Fous is made from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Vaccarese and 10% Cinsault. It's obvious that the wine is off the charts from the first whiff. Super ripe aromas of black raspberry, black cherry liqueur, licorice, blueberries, herbs, pepper, earth and spice might start the show. But the massive layers of perfectly ripe berries with the texture of polished motor oil take over every nook and cranny of your mouth, teeth, gums and palate. Yet, with all its density and structure, everything is in perfect balance and harmony. Lush, opulent and expansive, this is a stunning wine with serious intensity of flavor and depth. Still young and primary, this should hit triple digits in a few years, and if someone wanted to give it 100 Pts today, why not. Tasted blind, this Chateauneuf du Pape showed itself to be a remarkable wine. I wish I owned some.

2007 Clos St. Jean La Combe des Fous is made from a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Vaccarese and 10% Cinsault. It's obvious that the wine is off the charts from the first whiff. Super ripe aromas of black raspberry, black cherry liqueur, licorice, blueberries, herbs, pepper, earth and spice might start the show. But the massive layers of perfectly ripe berries with the texture of polished motor oil take over every nook and cranny of your mouth, teeth, gums and palate. Yet, with all its density and structure, everything is in perfect balance and harmony. Lush, opulent and expansive, this is a stunning wine with serious intensity of flavor and depth. Still young and primary, this should hit triple digits in a few years, and if someone wanted to give it 100 Pts today, why not. Tasted blind, this Chateauneuf du Pape showed itself to be a remarkable wine. I wish I owned some.

7,445 Views   Tasted
2007
89
I was really disappointed in how this wine has developed. It is figgy, hot and a bit flabby. There is plenty of fruit, but the raisin character is far too prevalent for me. Drink up if you have them, as I doubt this will improve.

I was really disappointed in how this wine has developed. It is figgy, hot and a bit flabby. There is plenty of fruit, but the raisin character is far too prevalent for me. Drink up if you have them, as I doubt this will improve.

3,587 Views   Tasted
This deeply colored, explosion of flavor is packed with fresh, sweet, ripe, jammy black raspberry, kirsch liqueur, fennel, pepper and garrigue. Full bodied and concentrated with a blast of sweet, ripe, old vine Grenache, there is a lot to like in this attention seeking, Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink it young, or age it, it's a very hedonsitic style of Southern Rhone.

This deeply colored, explosion of flavor is packed with fresh, sweet, ripe, jammy black raspberry, kirsch liqueur, fennel, pepper and garrigue. Full bodied and concentrated with a blast of sweet, ripe, old vine Grenache, there is a lot to like in this attention seeking, Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink it young, or age it, it's a very hedonsitic style of Southern Rhone.

5,015 Views   Tasted
2007
93
It's hard to believe that I've happily enjoyed 11, out of the 12 bottles from my original case already. And each wine bottle has been just delicious! That is, if you like layers of ripe, deep, juicy, sweet, fresh, dark red fruits, luscious textures, a bit of licorice, earth, herbs and a sexy, fruit filled finish. A slight chill adds more freshness to the wine. Popped and poured, this wine is a winner!

It's hard to believe that I've happily enjoyed 11, out of the 12 bottles from my original case already. And each wine bottle has been just delicious! That is, if you like layers of ripe, deep, juicy, sweet, fresh, dark red fruits, luscious textures, a bit of licorice, earth, herbs and a sexy, fruit filled finish. A slight chill adds more freshness to the wine. Popped and poured, this wine is a winner!

3,794 Views   Tasted
A true wine of pleasure, this tasty treat is drinking in the sweet spot. Luscious, round textures, black cherry liqueur, licorice, black raspberry, leaf, mint and spicy strawberries make up the nose. The finished is packed with sweet, spicy, dark red fruits and just a hint of chocolate. You can age it for a few years, but why wait? Popped and poured, this is really showing well today.

A true wine of pleasure, this tasty treat is drinking in the sweet spot. Luscious, round textures, black cherry liqueur, licorice, black raspberry, leaf, mint and spicy strawberries make up the nose. The finished is packed with sweet, spicy, dark red fruits and just a hint of chocolate. You can age it for a few years, but why wait? Popped and poured, this is really showing well today.

3,654 Views   Tasted
This is a pure wine of pleasure. It's rich, ripe, spicy, round and frankly delicious. Popped and poured, it really delivered the goods. There is so much great stuff in every sniff, swirl and sip, I am not sure there is any reason to age this much longer.

This is a pure wine of pleasure. It's rich, ripe, spicy, round and frankly delicious. Popped and poured, it really delivered the goods. There is so much great stuff in every sniff, swirl and sip, I am not sure there is any reason to age this much longer.

3,677 Views   Tasted
Value, quality, character and style that is drinking great today. The voluptuous finish really feels great with all its sweet, perfectly ripe fruit.

Value, quality, character and style that is drinking great today. The voluptuous finish really feels great with all its sweet, perfectly ripe fruit.

3,795 Views   Tasted
Better than it was 2 years ago, the wine is rich, sexy and filled with fresh ripe, sweet, opulent fruit, jam and spice. Drink it now or age it. Either way it’s a treat.

Better than it was 2 years ago, the wine is rich, sexy and filled with fresh ripe, sweet, opulent fruit, jam and spice. Drink it now or age it. Either way it’s a treat.

4,799 Views   Tasted
Pepper, kirsch, gravel, garrigue, spice and licorice aromas play well with the fresh, lusty, spicy, black cherry, fennel and sweet kirsch filled finish. Do not decant. Just pop, pour and enjoy this tasty Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink before it hits 10 years of age for all its fresh, ripe, up-front fruit filledl character.

Pepper, kirsch, gravel, garrigue, spice and licorice aromas play well with the fresh, lusty, spicy, black cherry, fennel and sweet kirsch filled finish. Do not decant. Just pop, pour and enjoy this tasty Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink before it hits 10 years of age for all its fresh, ripe, up-front fruit filledl character.

7,292 Views   Tasted
2006
96
Dense, almost edible, the wine is concentrated with layer after of ripe, sweet, fresh, peppery, juicy, dark red fruits, jam and garrigue. Plush and polished, the fruit offered a sensation of purity, along with old vine intensity. This powerful wine is not for the timid.

Dense, almost edible, the wine is concentrated with layer after of ripe, sweet, fresh, peppery, juicy, dark red fruits, jam and garrigue. Plush and polished, the fruit offered a sensation of purity, along with old vine intensity. This powerful wine is not for the timid.

4,118 Views   Tasted
Super wine with a rich, concentrated, deep, vibrant personality. Kirsch, garrigue, olives and stone create the complex aromatics. On the palate, the wine is long, luscious and drenched with peppery kirsch and black raspberries. Make no mistake, this is balanced, lively and very Chateauneuf du Pape.

Super wine with a rich, concentrated, deep, vibrant personality. Kirsch, garrigue, olives and stone create the complex aromatics. On the palate, the wine is long, luscious and drenched with peppery kirsch and black raspberries. Make no mistake, this is balanced, lively and very Chateauneuf du Pape.

4,022 Views   Tasted
2006
96
Damn this is good juice! Young, fresh, vibrant, concentrated and rich, this wine is stuffed with ripe black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, black pepper, herbs and black cherry jam. This is intense, luscious, balanced and frankly, delicious.

Damn this is good juice! Young, fresh, vibrant, concentrated and rich, this wine is stuffed with ripe black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, black pepper, herbs and black cherry jam. This is intense, luscious, balanced and frankly, delicious.

3,191 Views   Tasted
2005
99
WOW! Mouth-coating, teeth staining levels of concentration here. The texture is pure velvet. As big as this is, there is freshness, balance, and complexity. The ripe, dark red fruit shows a beautiful purity. The finish goes on for over 50 seconds. This is no shy sister of a wine. It leaves a serious impression. There is nothing old school about this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre. But I loved it!

WOW! Mouth-coating, teeth staining levels of concentration here. The texture is pure velvet. As big as this is, there is freshness, balance, and complexity. The ripe, dark red fruit shows a beautiful purity. The finish goes on for over 50 seconds. This is no shy sister of a wine. It leaves a serious impression. There is nothing old school about this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre. But I loved it!

5,031 Views   Tasted
2005
98
Full bodied, powerful, deep and concentrated, yet elegant, pure, clean and fresh. The purity of the fruit, combined with power and grace and a long finish that does not quit is what you'll find here. Decanted perhaps 30 minutes, the wine got better and better in the glass.

Full bodied, powerful, deep and concentrated, yet elegant, pure, clean and fresh. The purity of the fruit, combined with power and grace and a long finish that does not quit is what you'll find here. Decanted perhaps 30 minutes, the wine got better and better in the glass.

3,313 Views   Tasted
I'm happy this was popped at the end of the night, but it was so intense, every other wine would have been overwhelmed by it. This has so much fruit packed into the bottle, you can almost eat it with a spoon! But don't let that put you off. Each berry is perfectly ripe, sweet, fresh and pure. The wine is not heavy, but it is full bodied, intense, long and remains with you for more than 60 seconds! This might not be for everybody, but I loved it! Still young, this should age for at least 2 more decades!!!

I'm happy this was popped at the end of the night, but it was so intense, every other wine would have been overwhelmed by it. This has so much fruit packed into the bottle, you can almost eat it with a spoon! But don't let that put you off. Each berry is perfectly ripe, sweet, fresh and pure. The wine is not heavy, but it is full bodied, intense, long and remains with you for more than 60 seconds! This might not be for everybody, but I loved it! Still young, this should age for at least 2 more decades!!!

3,645 Views   Tasted
WOW! Full bodied, rich, intense and mouth filling, with layers of sweet, ripe, fat, juicy dark berries, black cherry, earth, pepper and spice. Everything is perfect balance. The wine offers intensity of flavor coupled with purity of fruit and even though this is incredibly concentrated, there is ample lift in the long, rich, fleshy, dense finish that really makes this wine come alive!

WOW! Full bodied, rich, intense and mouth filling, with layers of sweet, ripe, fat, juicy dark berries, black cherry, earth, pepper and spice. Everything is perfect balance. The wine offers intensity of flavor coupled with purity of fruit and even though this is incredibly concentrated, there is ample lift in the long, rich, fleshy, dense finish that really makes this wine come alive!

3,721 Views   Tasted
2005
91
Truffle, earth, garrigue and dark red fruits with a leafy presence in the nose. The wine is fully mature, showing a dark cherry character that is probably drinking at its peak.

Truffle, earth, garrigue and dark red fruits with a leafy presence in the nose. The wine is fully mature, showing a dark cherry character that is probably drinking at its peak.

2,521 Views   Tasted
2004
93
From magnum, this is showing well, so I imagine 750's are peak. There is a distinctive olive and thyme component that rides on top of all the ripe, earthy kirsch. Soft and with a polished feeling, this is ready to go.

From magnum, this is showing well, so I imagine 750's are peak. There is a distinctive olive and thyme component that rides on top of all the ripe, earthy kirsch. Soft and with a polished feeling, this is ready to go.

3,484 Views   Tasted
2003
96
Drinking perfectly, this powerful, rich, intense, thick, fat, juicy expression of Chateauneuf du Pape coats your palate with ripe, jammy, red and black berries, pepper, spice and kirsch liqueur. This is no wallflower of a wine.

Drinking perfectly, this powerful, rich, intense, thick, fat, juicy expression of Chateauneuf du Pape coats your palate with ripe, jammy, red and black berries, pepper, spice and kirsch liqueur. This is no wallflower of a wine.

4,923 Views   Tasted
2003
94
Really drinking great today, the wine is rich, ripe, fat and loaded with sweet, ripe red fruits, jam, pepper and garrigue. Full bodied and round, this is a hedonistic bottle of Southern Rhone ready for its prime time drinking window.

Really drinking great today, the wine is rich, ripe, fat and loaded with sweet, ripe red fruits, jam, pepper and garrigue. Full bodied and round, this is a hedonistic bottle of Southern Rhone ready for its prime time drinking window.

1,939 Views   Tasted
1989
85
Earthy, a touch of brett, barnyard and a dab of red fruit remaining, the wine is much more on the secondary, earthy, herb side of the style range. This requires drinking.

Earthy, a touch of brett, barnyard and a dab of red fruit remaining, the wine is much more on the secondary, earthy, herb side of the style range. This requires drinking.

2,266 Views   Tasted