CDP Deus Ex Machina, Clos Saint-Jean 2008

I think the wine of the vintage, the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus ex Machina again shows how good this estate is, even in difficult vintages. Giving up beautifully ripe black cherry, currant, licorice, ground herbs and hints of pepper, it’s full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, rich, structured and layered on the palate. While it will age gracefully, it too is a superb drink now.

The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus-Ex Machina is the wine of the vintage. A dense purple color is accompanied by astonishing levels of concentration, and loads of garrigue, steak tartare, grilled beef, Provencal herbs, blackberries, blueberries and a touch of graphite. Full-bodied and rich with moderate tannins and a long finish, this is an aberration for a 2008. However, if it's a freak, it's an extraordinary one. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 25 years.