The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Kristial is a terroir-driven offering the from a vineyard in the northeastern sector of the appellation called Cristia. Made from 100% destemmed grapes, primarily Grenache with a touch of Mourvedre, it possesses a deep ruby/purple color, a boatload of tannin, medium to full body, racy, complex, stylish aromas and flavors, and a long, heady finish. There is plenty of structure, and one can sense the Mourvedre component. Aged in 100% used barrels, this rich, heady Chateauneuf represents a synthesis of a grand cru Burgundy and southern Rhone given its floral elegance yet substantial power and intensity. Give this beauty 1-2 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 10-12. Importer: a Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0039, Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799; Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901; Associated Wine Distributors, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-8048; and Vintage ’59 Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-9218

The third cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape is Kristial. All of this offering emerges from the northeastern lieux-dit called Cristia, hence the name. The 2000 is a surprisingly elegant, deep purple-colored Chateauneuf that could pass for an intense Burgundy. The most feminine of Lesec's Chateauneuf du Papes, it offers sweet, Volnay-like plum and black cherry fruit intertwined with flower and mineral characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and restrained by the standards of these boisterous offerings, it should drink well for 12-15 years. Sadly, there are only 5,000 bottles of the 2000 (95% Grenache aged completely in old wood barrels). 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