The 2001 Petite Crau Vins du Pays is a melange of disparate lots that Lesec has masterly combined into a savory bistro-styled red loaded with peppery, herb-tinged cherry fruit. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.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 non-vintage Petite Crau Vin de Table, which is Merlot, Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon primarily from the 2007 vintage blended with small amounts of 2006. While it reveals a slightly herbaceous streak, it offers plenty of fruit as well as medium body. Consume it over the next year. Patrick Lesec’s negociant operation is artisinal in nature, small, well-focused, and consistently reliable. The high point of the portfolio is unquestionably his Chateauneuf du Papes. Yet the low level wines are also worth checking out. Lesec’s 2006 Chateauneuf du Papes are all successful.Agent for the U.S. market, Chemin des Vins, Sherborn, MA; tel. (508) 545-1532