A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, and 10% Vaccarèse, the 2008 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous is silky and elegant, especially when compared to the Deus-Ex Machina’s brawny profile. Subtle licorice, meat, and underbrush notes follow deep red and black fruits on the nose. These lead to a structured, medium to full bodied wine that’s beautifully balanced, textured and long. This is drinkable now but given the balance and solid underlying structure, should easily last for 10 to 12 years. Note, this bottle had been open for a day prior to tasting.

One of the vintage's top wines, the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape la Combe des Fous continues to drink splendidly. Brandied cherries and dried herbs mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is velvety and open-knit, with shadings of cocoa and a bit of savory, meaty development. It does dry out a bit as it sits in the glass, but it should continue to drink well through 2020 at least.