Clos Saint Jean Sanctus Sanctorum (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2020

Professional Ratings

• 98 Jeb Dunnuck

  Lastly, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum is always all Grenache from a single parcel of very old vines in the La Crau lieu-dit. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a touch of whole cluster here, but in general this cuvée is mostly destemmed. Brought up in equal parts new and once-used demi-muids, it offers a brilliant array of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, herbes de Provence, and scorched earth, with just a kiss of classy background oak. This is never the biggest or richest wine in the lineup (it's also never the deepest colored), but it's a wine that brings incredible intensity, depth, and complexity while staying flawlessly balanced. It needs just a few years in the cellar and should evolve for two decades. It's a singular expression of old vine Grenache that I wish every reader could taste. Best after 2024.

• 97 Wine Spectator

  Very alluring, and while densely packed, this is very silky and refined in feel. Presents perfumed raspberry, cherry and plum puree notes laced with sandalwood, incense and rooibos tea. Flirts with exotic as the fruit hangs on the finish, where a sweet wood spice hint echoes late. Approachable for its beguiling nature, but there's no rush at all. Drink now through 2040.

• 96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  There are two new demi-muids of the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum, pure Grenache grown on red clay soils, the only Grenache in the cellar that goes into wood for aging. Cedar and menthol notes accent black cherries, blackberries and raspberries. The fruit is kaleidoscopic, the wood luscious and the wine full-bodied, lush and velvety and long on the finish.