Made from the same varietal composition, the 2005 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Beaumes de Venise is a sleeper of the vintage. Notes of smoked herbs, meats, red and black fruits, and a hint of tar jump from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-hued wine. Medium-bodied with a Provencal-like personality, it is best drunk over the next 4-5 years. I can’t speak highly enough of the job that Patrick Lesec does as a negociant, putting together interesting and high quality blends of Cotes du Rhones and Chateauneuf du Papes.A Patrick Lesec Selection, agent for the US market: Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA; tel. (508) 545-1532