Always one of my favorite Lesec offerings is the Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rubis, made from Grenache grown in the famous Plan de Dieu and Syrah from the area around Gard, which is just south of Chateauneuf du Pape. The elegant 2009 exhibits tasty kirsch, licorice and black fruit notes in its medium-bodied, richly fruity personality. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. Well-known negociant Patrick Lesec, whose collection of high quality southern Rhone wines has always been somewhat under consumers’ radar, seems to be cutting back on the number of offerings he produces. His finest vintages to date have been 2007, 2005 and some early years such as 2000 and 2001. His 2009s are all very good efforts, but perhaps less impressive than the previously mentioned vintages. Nevertheless, there are some top bargains to be had in Lesec’s portfolio. Lesec used to offer a half dozen or so Chateauneuf du Papes, but he has cut this down to just three cuvees in 2009.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.

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.

The 2005 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rubis is a classic bistro red from Provence. Medium ruby with lavender, pepper, and kirsch notes, this medium-bodied wine is richly fruity and just out and out delicious. 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

The 2004 Cotes du Rhone Rubis, which all comes from a bio- dynamically farmed vineyard in Valreas, is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. It reveals more intensity and grapiness than some of its siblings. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA 508 545 1532; Vermont Wine Merchants, Burlington, VT 802 658 6771;Noble House, New York, NY 212 736 0040; William Harrison Imports, Manassas,VA 703 815 9463; The Stacole Company, Boca Raton, FL 561 998 0029; Fine Vines, Melrose Park, IL 708 343 6702; Silver State, Reno, NV 775 331 3400 and Wine Warehouse, Commerce, CA 323 724 1700