Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina 2021

98 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina is a strong candidate to be wine of the vintage. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, it combines scents of black truffles and black cherries with hints of cedar and vanilla (the Mourvèdre is aged in new oak, the Grenache in concrete). It's full-bodied and concentrated, supple and almost creamy in feel, then long and velvety on the finish. Bravo. Drink: 2023-2045. (10/12/23)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "[$140 list] A perfumed, very attractive red, with a generous and heady cascade of ripe steeped plum and cherry flavors. Silky on the lush palate, with polished, perfectly integrated tannins giving textural intrigue. Smoked meat and incense notes mingle with mulling spices and charred apple wood on the finish, which goes on and on. Powerful but not heavy-handed. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Best from 2025 through 2040. 80 cases imported. (11/1/23)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Deux Ex-Machina is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, with the Grenache brought up in concrete tanks and the Mourvèdre in new barrels. It's another dead ringer for a great Burgundy with its bright cherry, framboise, new leather, and floral aromas and flavors. It has beautifully integrated oak, full body, terrific ripeness, and a great finish. It's most likely the wine of the vintage and has the fresher, elegant style of the vintage while still being powerful and layered. (10/30/23)"