An oak-aged cuvee (40% American and 60% French barrels), the 2001 Gigondas Les Espalines-Les Tendrelles is a modern-styled, obviously oaky example lacking some of the typicity of its siblings. Nevertheless, it offers a deep ruby/purple color along with copious quantities of chocolate, oak, and red as well as black fruit characteristics. Supple-textured and medium-bodied, it would be hard to pick this out as a southern Rhone in a blind tasting. Drink it over the next 5-7 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

Lesec is working with the large negociant, Pierre Amadieu, to produce his Gigondas Les Espalines-Les Tendrelles. This Gigondas (a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 5% Syrah) spends most of its time in barrels, although some is aged in foudre. Approximately 25% of the barrels are new. The 1999 Gigondas Les Espalines-Les Tendrelles (750 cases) possesses silky tannin, ripe, concentrated, jammy fruit, elevated glycerin, and a full-bodied, dense, silky finish. It should drink well for 10-12 years. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Adventures in Wine, Daly City, CA; tel. (415) 467-0140, Atlantic Importing Co., Newton, MA; tel. (617) 965-2933, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625

Lesec is working with the large negociant, Pierre Amadieu, to produce his Gigondas Les Espalines-Les Tendrelles. This Gigondas (a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 5% Syrah) spends most of its time in barrels, although some is aged in foudre. Approximately 25% of the barrels are new. The 1998 (500 cases) offers a dark purple color as well as a dense constitution with aromas and flavors of new oak, plums, cherries, and tree bark. Full-bodied, deep, and moderately tannic, it will be at its best between 2002-2012. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Adventures in Wine, Daly City, CA; tel. (415) 467-0140, Atlantic Importing Co., Newton, MA; tel. (617) 965-2933, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625