Professional Reviews
Robert Parker
RP
98
"The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina is a blend of 60% Grenache aged in foudre (from close to 100-year-old vines) and 40% Mourvedre aged in demi-muids. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by incredible notes of cassis, roasted meats, licorice, toasted spice and a liquid rock-like minerality. Full-bodied, massive and concentrated, yet also seamless, elegant and incredibly polished, it flows onto the palate with building tannin, no hard edges and perfect balance. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this merit a perfect rating in the future, and it should hit prime-time drinking around age 10, and have 20-25 years of overall longevity. It’s one of the few wines to hit this level of quality in the vintage." -Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson
JR
17
"60% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre. 12 months in 60% concrete tanks, 40% barriques. Crimson. Extremely sweet start and then some freshness. Dense and rich. Very satisfying on the finish. Extremely ambitious and it works - so long as you don't mind your red wine reminding you very strongly of port! Some heat on the finish."
Wine Spectator
WS
96
"Big but deftly balanced, with tiers of fig, blackberry, black currant and plum fruit supported by baker’s chocolate, maduro tobacco, pepper, bay and roasted alder notes. The intense finish lingers. Impressive."
