2005 Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina

I’ve been lucky enough to have the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus ex Machina numerous times over the past year, and while still youthful, it’s starting to shows hints of evolution and secondary nuances. Cassis, crushed rocks, graphite, beef blood and iron-like aromas and flavors are all present here, and it offers incredible depth and richness on the palate, with gorgeous purity, masses of tannin and a rock-star finish. A wine that could make you run out of adjectives, it too is another wine that goes flying off the scale. (JD) Review Date: August 2014

The staggering 2005 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina showcases amazingly pure fruit, massive concentration and a perfect palate. Not quite as exotic or heavy as the 2003, this is as polished and smooth as Chateauneuf can be. If drinking anytime soon, a long decant is recommended. Review Date: January 2009