Producer
Patrick Lesec Selections (Southern Rhône)

Region
Southern Rhône, France

Encepagement and Elevage for 2004 Vintage
73% Grenache
7% Syrah
20% Mourvedre
Blended from several vineyard sites. 30-50 year old vines. 50% destemmed, 50% whole clusters. Long, 5 week maceration. Aged 50% in foudre, 50% in tank. Not fined or filtered.

Encepagement and Elevage for pre-2004 Vintages
95% Grenache
5% Syrah
100% La Crau
45-year-old vines. Destemmed. Long, 5 week maceration. Aged 50% in foudre, 50% in tank. Not fined or filtered.

Description
This lovely, perfumed Châteauneuf du Pape is loaded with sweet, lush black raspberry and black cherry fruit. Its fine, soft tannins give it a supple texture, elegant balance and a long, sweet finish.

Reviews for 2000 Vintage
From the Wine Advocate, #145 (Feb 2003): "Points: 92-94. The Chateauneuf du Pape Rubis is a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah aged in equal parts tank and old wood barrels. All of this cuvee comes from the famed La Crau sector. The fabulous, deep purple-colored 2000 boasts a sweet perfume of blackberries, cherries, beef blood, hot rocks, and licorice. Chewy, thick, and viscous, this sensational wine competes with the vintage's finest estate-bottled Chateauneuf du Papes. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018." © The Wine Advocate

From the International Wine Cellar (Jan/Feb 2003): "Points: 91. Full medium ruby. Liqueur-like aromas of crushed blackberry, smoke and earth. Lush, sweet, fat and dense; a voluptuous wine lifted by a note of fresh herbs. Subtle, slow-building finish features very ripe tannins and late notes of herbs and pepper. Impressively silky, superripe Chateauneuf that just misses coming off as heavy." © International Wine Cellar

Reviews for 2001 Vintage
From the Wine Advocate, #145 (Feb 2003): "Points: 91-94+. The Chateauneuf du Pape Rubis is a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah aged in equal parts tank and old wood barrels. All of this cuvee comes from the famed La Crau sector. … The dense ruby/purple-colored 2001 appears to be a worthy rival. Exhibiting more garrigue, lavender, and ground pepper notes in its black cherry, cassis, and plum-scented bouquet, it is a full-bodied example with terrific purity, a multidimensional palate feel, and a long, lusty, decadent finish. It will have 15+ years of aging potential." © The Wine Advocate

Reviews for 2003 Vintage
From the Wine Advocate, #156 (Dec 2004): "Points: 87-89. The only cuvee that was a bit suppressed and muted was the 2003 Chateauneuf de Pape Rubis. From the sectors of La Crau and Cristia, it is mostly Grenache aged in foudre. When I tasted it, it revealed good depth and richness, but was extremely tight." © The Wine Advocate

Reviews for 2005 Vintage
From the Wine Advocate, #173 (Oct 2007): “Points 89.   {2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Rubis}   A surprisingly soft wine made from a blend of 75% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre, the wine has a deep ruby/purple color and a classic nose of incense, licorice, kirsch, pepper, and herbs.   It is medium to full-bodied, soft for a 2005, and best drunk over the next decade.” © The Wine Advocate

Reviews for 2006 Vintage
From the Wine Advocate, #173 (Oct 2007): “Points 89-91   The {2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Rubis}is full-bodied, dark ruby/purple, and shows soft tannins and low acidity in a plump, round, generous style with plenty of Provencal typicity.   It should drink well upon release and last 12-14 years.” © The Wine Advocate