Clos Saint Jean's house style is that of pure fruit expression, and their 'La Combe Des Fous' leans into that wholeheartedly.

The vineyard was planted around 1910 by a grower described in the winery's literature as a "madman" for trying to utilise a vineyard with stony soils so stony there was basically nothing but rocks for the vines to latch onto. A hundred years later, the vineyard is not only growing with great success, but this stony soil is what Chateaneuf du Pape is known for.

A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Vaccarese, with the Grenache aged in concrete vats and the remaining blending grapes aged in new oak for nine months.

2019 was a very hot year in Chateauneuf du Pape, but with that heat came consistency. The wines across the board were full bodied (this one clocks in at a staggering 16% abv) helped along by a muted acidity, but the tannins are fine and elegant.

Other critics:  100 points, Jeb Dunnock; 94-96 points, Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate).