2018 Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum

Proprietary Blend - 1.5L
Reg: $495.00
$389.00
In Stock: 2 btls
Ships Immediately
Pre-Arrival: 0 btls
ETA: Pending
Most orders placed M-F by 3pm (PT) ship same day.
Orders placed on a weekend or holiday will ship the next business day.
Shipping Info

Free storage available
Wine Storage

REVIEWS

JD 96 WA 95
JD 96

jebdunnuck.com, October 2020

The tiny production 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum comes from a single parcel in the famed La Crau lieu-dit and is brought up in demi-muids. Released only in magnum, it’s consistently been one of the most...
WA 95

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2020

When I visited in June 2019, the selection for the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum hadn't yet been done, so this is my first look at the wine. It's marked by the new oak demi-muids, with layers of vanilla and...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Proprietary Blend
Country France
Region Rhone
Sub-region Southern Rhone
Appellation Chateauneuf du Pape
Vintage 2018
Size 1.5L
Percent alcohol 16%

The 2018 Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum is a proprietary blend produced in the Southern Rhône sub-region of France. This red wine, made entirely from Grenache, comes from a single parcel in the renowned La Crau lieu-dit. It is aged in demi-muids and exclusively released in magnum bottles, making it a unique and limited production wine.

Reviewer Jeb Dunnuck awarded the 2018 vintage an impressive score of 96 points, describing it as "one of the most singular, brilliant expressions of Grenache in any vintage it’s been produced." He praised its "translucent ruby hue" and "glorious bouquet" that includes notes of kirsch liqueur, ground pepper, cured meats, candle wax, garrigue, and Provençal spice. Dunnuck emphasized the wine's "full-bodied richness" and "seamless, Grand Cru Burgundy like mouthfeel," highlighting its "beautiful tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish." He concluded that it would "drink beautifully over the coming 15 years or more."

Joe Czerwinski of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a score of 95 points. His review noted the influence of the new oak demi-muids, with "layers of vanilla and cedar sitting atop luscious cherry fruit on the nose." He observed "slightly drying wood tannins" on the full-bodied palate, which extend through the long finish. Czerwinski expressed a personal preference for the more nuanced complexities found in the estate's other premium cuvées from the same vintage, but acknowledged the "hedonistic appeal" of this 100% Grenache wine.

Overall, the 2018 Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum is a robust and richly textured red wine that has garnered high praise for its expressive bouquet and balanced palate. With scores of 96 and 95 from prominent reviewers, it stands as a noteworthy example of premium Grenache from the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation.