Another potential sleeper of the vintage is the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Beaumes de Venise. While most people think of this village as the home of sweet dessert wines, they also produce some very good, dry Cotes du Rhone-Villages reds. Lesec’s blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah exhibits a deep ruby color as well as luscious notes of black currant fruit intermixed with kirsch, lavender, and black olives. Spicy, rich, and full-bodied, this delicious 2007 can be consumed over the next 3-4 years. 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

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