Lesec is working with the large negociant, Pierre Amadieu, to produce his Gigondas Les Espalines-Les Tendrelles. This Gigondas (a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 5% Syrah) spends most of its time in barrels, although some is aged in foudre. Approximately 25% of the barrels are new. The 1998 (500 cases) offers a dark purple color as well as a dense constitution with aromas and flavors of new oak, plums, cherries, and tree bark. Full-bodied, deep, and moderately tannic, it will be at its best between 2002-2012. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Adventures in Wine, Daly City, CA; tel. (415) 467-0140, Atlantic Importing Co., Newton, MA; tel. (617) 965-2933, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625