Clos Saint Jean
La Combe des Fous Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
One of my favorite CdP producers. I opened this alongside a buddy’s 2009 CSJ Deus Ex Machina and it was really intriguing to see the differences.
60 Grenache/20 Syrah/remainder a blend.
Quick bottle decant before diving in. While ready to go, an hour full-decant would probably be a good call at this stage, but not required. Where the Ex Machina was more high toned and layered (thanks to the blend), this was more up-front and plush. Violets and spiced berry compote aromatically. Dark berry fruit, sweet pipe tobacco and fig dominate the palate. Extremely concentrated (not extracted), with a savory graphite profile at the finish. Would have sworn Mourvèdre was heavy in this. Delicious. 93+
One of my favorite CdP producers. I opened this alongside a buddy’s 2009 CSJ Deus Ex Machina and it was really intriguing to see the differences.
60 Grenache/20 Syrah/remainder a blend.
Quick bottle decant before diving in. While ready to go, an hour full-decant would probably be a good call at this stage, but not required. Where the Ex Machina was more high toned and layered (thanks to the blend), this was more up-front and plush. Violets and spiced berry compote aromatically. Dark berry fruit, sweet pipe tobacco and fig dominate the palate. Extremely concentrated (not extracted), with a savory graphite profile at the finish. Would have sworn Mourvèdre was heavy in this. Delicious. 93+
The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut and Vaccarèse. The 2020 La Combe des Fous offers up intense aromas of cooked red and black fruits, cloves, licorice, dried herbs and black olive tapenade. Solid tannic structure frames this concentrated, full-bodied powerhouse, balanced by bright acidity. It concludes with excellent freshness on the savory finish. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, June 2023)
The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut and Vaccarèse. The 2020 La Combe des Fous offers up intense aromas of cooked red and black fruits, cloves, licorice, dried herbs and black olive tapenade. Solid tannic structure frames this concentrated, full-bodied powerhouse, balanced by bright acidity. It concludes with excellent freshness on the savory finish. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, June 2023)
Jun 29th, 2023Opaque ruby. A powerfully scented bouquet displays mineral-accented boysenberry and Chambord scents complemented by suggestions of pungent flowers, Indian spices and incense. Intense red/blue fruit preserve, cherry cola and fruitcake flavors show superb definition and silky texture. Comes off graceful despite its depth and finishes on a repeating floral note, displaying outstanding persistence and bright, mineral lift. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2021)
Opaque ruby. A powerfully scented bouquet displays mineral-accented boysenberry and Chambord scents complemented by suggestions of pungent flowers, Indian spices and incense. Intense red/blue fruit preserve, cherry cola and fruitcake flavors show superb definition and silky texture. Comes off graceful despite its depth and finishes on a repeating floral note, displaying outstanding persistence and bright, mineral lift. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2021)
Par excellence - Boozy but already integrating - Kirsch, spice, garrigue, cinnamon and plum-hoisin sauce. At 16-17% this is strangely drinkable.
Par excellence - Boozy but already integrating - Kirsch, spice, garrigue, cinnamon and plum-hoisin sauce. At 16-17% this is strangely drinkable.
Oct 24th, 2018
Just starting to open up. Pop and pour.
Just starting to open up. Pop and pour.
May 12th, 2017
Phenomenal. Iron fist, velvet glove, brooding and hedonistic. Has a more elegant posture than the 2010, more seamless on the palate with finer tannin. Voluptuously layered and effusive aromas. Linzer torte, poached figs, roasted plums, blueberry, cocoa, kirsch, lavender, garrigue, sweet wood, sweet spices, sweet herbs, peppercorns, dried flowers, savory earth.
Phenomenal. Iron fist, velvet glove, brooding and hedonistic. Has a more elegant posture than the 2010, more seamless on the palate with finer tannin. Voluptuously layered and effusive aromas. Linzer torte, poached figs, roasted plums, blueberry, cocoa, kirsch, lavender, garrigue, sweet wood, sweet spices, sweet herbs, peppercorns, dried flowers, savory earth.
Apr 2nd, 2017This is effing delicious. Day 1: Heady on the nose, layers of raspberry/strawberry confiture, mulberry, sous bois, lavender, roasted fig, sweet spices, potpourri and rocks. Palate is so dense, layer upon layer of berries, garrigue, spices, mocha, licorice, black minerals, and crushed flowers. Like drinking velvet, opulent and sexy, crazy long finish. Day 2: the textural richness of this wines grew with air. Even more richness and posh on the palate. Nose unraveled, aromas of animal, leather, savory earth, sarsaparilla, and rich umami accents popped up. On the palate the wine shed some of its alcoholic edge and began to express those rich notes of coffee, cocoa, leather, and the deep layers of fruit grew. A purely hedonistic experience for S. Rhône drinkers.
This is effing delicious. Day 1: Heady on the nose, layers of raspberry/strawberry confiture, mulberry, sous bois, lavender, roasted fig, sweet spices, potpourri and rocks. Palate is so dense, layer upon layer of berries, garrigue, spices, mocha, licorice, black minerals, and crushed flowers. Like drinking velvet, opulent and sexy, crazy long finish. Day 2: the textural richness of this wines grew with air. Even more richness and posh on the palate. Nose unraveled, aromas of animal, leather, savory earth, sarsaparilla, and rich umami accents popped up. On the palate the wine shed some of its alcoholic edge and began to express those rich notes of coffee, cocoa, leather, and the deep layers of fruit grew. A purely hedonistic experience for S. Rhône drinkers.
Mar 25th, 2017
Decanted 5 hours. Initially quite alcoholic. Subdued aromatics. Fig, plum, coffee grind attack. Good length. Adolescent with room to grow.
Decanted 5 hours. Initially quite alcoholic. Subdued aromatics. Fig, plum, coffee grind attack. Good length. Adolescent with room to grow.
Jan 18th, 2016