Patrick Lesec directs/assists in the production of two cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape. The 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Galets Blonds is made from a 90-year old parcel of Grenache vines in the Bedarrides sector of Chateauneuf du Pape. The wine, which is aged both in tank and foudre, is a lighter-styled Chateauneuf typical of the 1996 vintage. The medium ruby color is followed by soft, moderately deep, spicy, peppery, cherry fruit, low acidity, and a round, easy-going, up-front character. It is a wine to drink over the next 3-4 years. Patrick Lesec continues to build his portfolio of handcrafted wines, buying specific cuvees from producers, and having them (1) bottled with low levels of SO2, and (2) usually without any aroma, flavor, and texture-stripping fining and filtration. This wine is a well-made, textbook example. Patrick Lesec Selections (Paris fax # 011 33 1 42843822), various American importers.