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CLOS SAINT JEAN

LVT 2017 r 2017 wh A domaine that always delivers full wines with genuine character. Since 2003, the wine style has been markedly changed at this previously traditional estate, the year when they hired oenologue Philippe Cambie, who favours rich, savoury wines with very ripe tannins. The grapes are picked later and more fully ripe than before. Fruit bomb syndrome hovers like a Flying Cigar. Destemming and more cellar work during vinification has been undertaken. Vatting time without the stalks has risen from 25 days to 35-38 days. The aim has been to soften the wines and allow earlier drinking.

The Tradition remains generally well-filled, and is the most accessible of the three reds. In 2014, it was the only cuvée made, and drinkers are rewarded with a hightly tasty, juicy **** wine, so look out for that. The 2017 Tradition was also a commendable **** STGT wine in a vintage-dominated year. Of the two Prestige wines, which are based on 1905 Grenache planted by greatgrandfather Edmons, who was a tailor at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Combe des Fous is more local and opens earlier than the Deus ex Machina, which is robust, smoky wine supported by 40% Mourvèdre; both were **** wines in 2015, and ***** wines in 2016. There is also a new oak raised 100% Grenache Châteauneuf red called Sanctus Sanctorum, with 800 magnums every year, half of them going to the USA. All the wines here benefit from being drunk from four to five years on – they are thorough and need time. A frisky vin de pays red and a solid white Châteauneuf (the 2015 a **** STGT wine), with a red Côtes du Rhône that is mostly sold the Netherlands complete the picture. The quantity bottled on the Tradition cuvée has risen from 37,000 in 2005 to 100,000 in the 2007 vintage. The rest of the wine is sold in bulk.

Vincent son Hugo & brother Pascal, son Valentin 18 avenue Général de Gaulle BP41 84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Tel: +33(0)490 83 58 00

http://www.closstjean.fr

contact@closstjean.fr

Countries exported to:1) USA 2) Northern Europe 3) Asia – Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia

Percentage Exported: 98%

British Importers: Gauntley Wines 4 High Street Exchange Arcade Nottingham NG1 2ET Anthony Byrne Fine Wines, Cambridge +441487 814 555

USA Importers: Weygandt-Metzler Importing Ltd, PO Box 56, Unionville PA 19375, www.weygandtmetzler.com