Producer
Patrick Lesec Selections (Southern Rhône)

Region
Southern Rhône, France

Encepagement and Elevage for 2007 Vintage
93% Grenache   90 year old vines
7% Syrah 20-25 year old vines
La Crau vineyard
Clay-limestone soil with pebbles
20-30 hectoliters per hectare
Harvested by hand
2/3 destemmed
18-25 day maceration
Elevage for Grenache in stainless steel, Syrah in 1-4 year old barrels

Reviews for 2006 Vintage
From the Wine Advocate, #173 (October 2007) Points 92-94
“The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Galets Blonds is a strong effort for thee vintage.   In this year the wine is 85% Grenache from 80 year old vines from La Crau and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre with 25% of the cuvee aged in old barrels, and the balance in tank and foudres.   Dark ruby/purple with notes of ground pepper, loamy soil notes, underbrush, and oodles of black cherry and cassis, the wine is thick, juicy, fleshy, and moderately tannic in the finish.   This is one of the bigger, richer, more concentrated Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage and will need 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 years.” © The Wine Advocate

From the Wine Advocate, #179 (Oct 2008) : “Points 93. The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Galets Blonds is composed of 85% Grenach, 12% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as classic notes of crème de cassis, kirsch, licorice, spice box, pepper, and truffles. Full-bodied with layers of fruit, lovely sweetness, sweet tannin, and a lusty, heady, hedonistic finish. It should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years. " © The Wine Advocate

Reviews for 2007 Vintage
From the Wine Advocate, #179 (Oct 2008): “Points 92-94. Another winner, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Galets Blonds is composed from primarily Grenache with smaller amounts of Syrah and Mourvedre. It is a full-bodied, classically styled effort displaying a dark plum/ruby/purple-tinged color, and sweet aromas of figs, black currants, kirsch, licorice, and forest floor. This deep, chewy 2007 will age easily for 10-15 or more years.” © The Wine Advocate