(JD 96-99 points) Always more rich and powerful, the 2011 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus-Ex Machina is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre. While the Grenache is always aged only in tank, the Mourvedre is aged in smaller barrels. Loaded with superb aromas of raspberry, blackberry, ground pepper, roasted herbs, licorice, and spice-box qualities, this awesome wine hits the palate with a full-bodied, seamless texture, fantastic concentration, and masses of ripe, polished tannin. It is ripe, heady, and chewy on the finish, with fantastic length; it will be a thrill ride of wine to drink in its youth, but will also age beautifully.

The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina continues to drink amazingly well, with hints of mushroom and truffle giving way to reveal red-raspberry fruit, orange zest and Campari-like spice notes. Full-bodied and concentrated, slightly open-knit in feel, with a long, silky finish, it should continue to drink well for several more years. The Maurel family seems to excel in so-called difficult vintages, testament to their work in the vineyards, and this 2011 is no exception. - Joe Czerwinski

This is lush and velvety in feel from the start, gliding along with enticing plum sauce, melted black licorice and anise-soaked blackberry notes. Hints of charcoal and ganache stud the finish but stay in the background, letting the alluring fruit and lovely mouthfeel lead the way. Best from 2015 through 2025. – JM