The Chateauneuf du Pape Rubis is a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah aged in equal parts tank and old wood barrels. All of this cuvee comes from the famed La Crau sector. The fabulous, deep purple-colored 2000 boasts a sweet perfume of blackberries, cherries, beef blood, hot rocks, and licorice. Chewy, thick, and viscous, this sensational wine competes with the vintage's finest estate-bottled Chateauneuf du Papes. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029, Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and Associated Wine Distributors, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-8048