The 2020 Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf du Pape la Combe des Fous is a proprietary red blend from the Southern Rhone region in France, specifically the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Produced by Clos Saint-Jean, this wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the remaining 10% composed of Cinsault and Vaccarese. It is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 15.0%.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine a score of 96, emphasizing its finesse and elegance. According to Dunnuck, "the inclusion of Cinsault and Vaccarese in the blend" contributes to its delicate profile. He describes it as having an "exotic perfume of both red and blue fruits, smoked game, spring flowers, and peppery herbs." Dunnuck also notes its "medium to full-bodied" palate, "gorgeous tannins," and a "layered, seamless mouthfeel." He believes this wine will "evolve gracefully over the coming 15-20 years" (jebdunnuck.com, 11/11/2022).
Wine Spectator also gave this wine a high score of 96, highlighting its complex profile. The review mentions "heady raspberry, mulberry, and blackberry compote notes" with a "seriously grippy finish." The wine's structure is supported by a "roasted apple wood spine" and complemented by "ganache, garrigue, and warm earth notes." It suggests that the wine will be best enjoyed from 2025 through 2040 (Wine Spectator, 1/1/2022).
Vinous reviewer Nicolas Greinacher rated the wine at 94 points, noting its "intense aromas of cooked red and black fruits, cloves, licorice, dried herbs, and black olive tapenade." He praises its "solid tannic structure," "bright acidity," and "excellent freshness on the savory finish" (Vinous, 6/29/2023).
Lastly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Joe Czerwinski, gave the wine a score of 94+ points. Czerwinski describes it as "slightly smoky on the nose, with plenty of black raspberry fruit" and a "mouthfeel that's deceptively airy." He mentions that it might be going through an "awkward phase" but still notes its "long, lingering finish" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 10/12/2023).
In summary, the 2020 Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf du Pape la Combe des Fous is highly praised for its complexity, structured tannins, and potential for aging. With a blend dominated by Grenache and Syrah, complemented by Cinsault and Vaccarese, it offers a rich array of aromas and flavors, making it a noteworthy wine from the Southern Rhone region.