www.closstjean.fr

Clos Saint-Jean is a family estate that was established in 1900 by Edmond Tacussel. The domaine began bottling wines in 1910 and has expanded over the generations. Saint Jean symbolizes life, and is thus associated with fertile lands yielding quality foods. Pascal and Vincent Maurel have been heading the estate since 1991, and oenologist Philippe Gambie has been assisting since 2003. At Clos Saint-Jean, we operate under the principle that complete respect for the land and the environment are essential to achieving a great wine.

The property covers 43 ha situated at lieu-dit La Crau. 40 ha AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape red. 20 ha of which are on the renowned plateau of la Crau. 1ha AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape white.

We cultivate the soil by the most natural means for our terrain. The use of insecticides is limited and the use of phytosanitary products even more so.

We practice ébourgeonnage on the entire vineyard as well as green harvesting, which directly bears upon the yield and improves the overall quality of the grapes and of the wine. Finally, complete respect for the land and the environment are essential to achieving a great wine.

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2021 Label

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2021

One of the appellation’s top whites comes from Clos Saint Jean (although it’s their reds that get all the attention), the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is brilliant, with a fresh, vibrant, focused style to go with classic crushed citrus, tart quince, and acacia flower-like notes. It builds on the palate and is medium-bodied, with richness and depth. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years. – 94 points

– Jeb Dunnuck (11/3/21)

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2020 Label

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2020

A bigger, richer wine, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes has a similar style in its peppery garrigue, lavender, scorched earth, and licorice aromatics. It’s slightly darker fruited than the base cuvée and has a rock star of a mid-palate, building, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s one stunning bottle of wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years. – 95 points

– Jeb Dunnuck/ jebdunnuck.com (11/3/21)

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous 2020 Label

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous 2020

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous checks in as a normal blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Vaccarèse and Cinsault, raised in tank and demi-muids. Kirsch liqueur, white flowers, graphite, ground pepper, and obvious minerality all emerge from this ethereal yet powerful, concentrated 2017. It’s very much in the more Provençal, elegant style of this vintage, yet has classic Clos Saint Jean purity, style, and power. It’s a gorgeous wine. 97 points

– Jeb Dunnuck/ jebdunnuck.com (08/16/19)

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina 2020 Label

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina 2020

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Deus-Ex Machina (60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre) shows more classic Mourvèdre notes, with blackcurrants, Asian spices, crushed violets, cured meats, and graphite all giving way to a power packed, opulent, hedonistic 2017 that does everything right. Incredible depth of fruit, building tannins, no hard edges, and a finish to die for are all part of the package. 98 points

– Jeb Dunnuck/ jebdunnuck.com (08/16/19)

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum 2020 Label

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum 2020

“Bottled only in magnum, the Châteauneuf Du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum is consistently one the greatest young Grenache releases I taste in any year, and I’m happy to report that the 2017 is no exception. Incredible kirsch liqueur, dried flowers, crème caramel, garrigue, pepper, incense, and herbes de Provence notes all literally soar from the glass, and it has a rare sense of intensity paired with incredible complexity. Full-bodied, remarkably textured, seamless, and multi-dimensional on the palate, it has silky tannins and a huge, opulent style that’s hard to describe.” – Jeb Dunnuck/ jebdunnuck.com

Do your best to give bottles 4-5 years in the cellar, and this singular, magical wine will knock your socks off over the following 15-20 years.

REVIEWS:
Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum 2017, Jeb Dunnuck August 2019

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