Patrick Lesec continues to do superb work in the northern Rhone. His 2003 Cornas Le Vignon, which includes 100% stems, is a full-bodied, unctuously-textured, huge, black/purple-colored effort revealing aromas of creosote, burnt leather, roasted meats, and hints of blackberry liqueur. Low acidity, high glycerin as well as concentration, and sweet tannin suggest it should be consumed between 2006-2016. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 993-0029, Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799, and Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901

Le Vignon includes all the stems, resulting in more acid, tannin, and structure. Lesec’s 2001 Cornas Le Vignon is among the finest wines of the appellation. Its 100% new oak aging has been soaked up beautifully, resulting in a black/purple-colored Cornas displaying copious quantities of blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with notions of beef blood, new saddle leather, earth, coffee, and pepper. Dense, chewy, and full-bodied with a boatload of tannin as well as intense concentration, this wine will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 10-12. Wine broker Patrick Lesec purchases his Cornas from steep, hillside vineyards owned by one of the appellation’s top growers. The wine is kept in small barrels, aged on its lees, and bottled without fining or filtration after virtually no racking and minimal sulphur additions. These efforts often require several years after bottling to reveal their personalities.A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 938-0029, 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