Sanctus Sanctorum is a highly coveted wine produced only in the best vintages. It is made from the oldest vines of Grenache, which are well over 100 years old, located in Le Crau. The wine is aged entirely in demi-muid and bottled in magnum, a bottle size equivalent to two standard bottles of wine, or 1.5 litres. The magnum bottle size provides several benefits, including a slower aging process, allowing the wine to develop more complexity and depth over time. Additionally, the larger bottle size creates a more impressive appearance when served at events, making it an ideal choice for special occasions.
Clos Saint Jean Sanctus Sanctorum is a small-production wine, and only a limited number of magnums are produced each vintage. The debut vintage in 2007 saw just 350 magnums produced. Though finding a bottle may require some effort and a high price, it is undoubtedly worth the investment for those seeking a truly exceptional wine experience.
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.