The 47 hectares of vines at Clos Saint-Jean are mainly located on a terroir of large rounded pebbles. Each vintage reflects the rigour perpetuated by the Maurel family, thanks to the high quality of the grapes and their expert blending.
Deus Ex machina refers to the unexpected reversal of a situation due to an external event. The unexpected event occurred at Clos Saint-Jean when we met the late oenologist Philippe Cambie, whose approach radically changed the estate's orientation in 2003.
The estate's most structured cuvée is made from 60% Grenache, which provides a tannic base thanks to the red clay in the soil, reinforced by 40% Mourvèdre.
The grapes are tasted daily throughout the harvest period to ensure that the bunches are picked at optimum ripeness. Fermentation lasts 35 days in concrete vats, with temperature control throughout. A pneumatic press is used to separate the press juice from the free-run juice, which alone makes up the Deus Ex Machina.
The Grenache is aged exclusively in concrete vats for 9 months. The Mourvèdre is aged in new barrels for 9 months. The wine is bottled, with light filtration, only on fruit days according to the lunar calendar.
Color: dark purple with ruby highlights.
Nose: intense, with subtle black berry notes (blackcurrant, blueberry), followed by floral and garrigue notes.
Palate: airy, suave, powerful. Silky texture, with fine tannins and a long, intense finish.
Pairing: rack of lamb served with thyme jus.
Comment: a superb bottle.
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The property of Chambrun was established between the two world wars by the Chollet family.
