The textured, seductive, luscious 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rubis is primarily Grenache blended with small quantities of Syrah and Mourvedre. It possesses a luscious texture, a succulent, chewy, fruit-driven style, and good purity as well as spice. Patrick Lesec continues to make a fine name for his negociant blends from the southern Rhone. His Chateauneuf du Papes, all strong performers in 2007 and 2006, were reviewed in issue #179.Patrick Lesec Selection’s agent for the U.S. market is Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA; tel. (508) 545-1532

The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rubis is mostly tank-aged Grenache with 20% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah (the latter component is kept in old barrels). A blend of declassified fruit from Rasteau mixed with other Cotes du Rhone-Villages material, the 2007 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, medium to full body, and notes of licorice, smoked herbs, earth, pepper, lavender, black cherries, and black currants. Enjoy it over the next 2-4 years. The stars in Patrick Lesec’s porfolio are the superb Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees he fashions, but there are also some stunning bargains for shrewd consumers. By the way, Lesec chose not to produce any Chateauneuf du Papes or Gigondas in 2008. Importer: Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA; tel. (508) 545-1532, who distributes to wholesalers in 20 different states. Readers are advised to call them for availability in their region.