What’s probably the wine of the vintage, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Deux Ex Machina (60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre; the Grenache was raised all in concrete tank and the Mourvèdre in demi-muids) reveals a saturated ruby color as well as classic notes of tobacco leaf, crushed rocks, pan drippings, graphite, black currants and licorice. Showing more and more dark fruits, as well as additional density and depth, with time in the glass, this full-bodied Chateauneuf du Pape shows the hallmark elegance of the 2006 vintage, yet backs it up with incredible density, depth and length. Like the La Combe des Fous release, enjoy this sensational Chateauneuf du Pape anytime over the coming decade.

What’s probably the wine of the vintage, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Deux Ex Machina (60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre; the Grenache was raised all in concrete tank and the Mourvèdre in demi-muids) reveals a saturated ruby color as well as classic notes of tobacco leaf, crushed rocks, pan drippings, graphite, black currants and licorice. Showing more and more dark fruits, as well as additional density and depth, with time in the glass, this full-bodied Chateauneuf du Pape shows the hallmark elegance of the 2006 vintage, yet backs it up with incredible density, depth and length. Like the La Combe des Fous release, enjoy this sensational Chateauneuf du Pape anytime over the coming decade.

Nearly gushes with raspberry and fig sauce notes, but the ripe, lush fruit is harnessed by a superracy graphite underpinning, which allows notes of mineral, shiso leaf, braised fig and incense to stretch out the long, supersilky finish. Has impressive length and plenty of latent concentration. Best from 2010 through 2030. 540 cases made. -JM

Juicy, round and wonderfully well balanced fruit on top of a little tight tannin but still vivacious and very expressive and flirtatious. You could almost drink this now. Dry and savoury finish, refreshing mid palate. Well done! A very impressive set of wines from this producer. 60:40 Grenache:Mourvèdre.

Dense, almost edible, the wine is concentrated with layer after of ripe, sweet, fresh, peppery, juicy, dark red fruits, jam and garrigue. Plush and polished, the fruit offered a sensation of purity, along with old vine intensity. This powerful wine is not for the timid.