Patrick Lesec states he makes great efforts to search out the finest terroirs, the best soils with old vineyards — and thus the finest sources of grapes — in each appellation. His wines receive a minimal amount of handling and processing. His goal is to produce natural wines which truly express the specific character of the grape variety and the unique qualities of the terroir. Many say that his wines taste like their appellations. This is not an exercise in the large scale production of mass produced, international style varietal wines, but rather homage to the concept of terroir in the French style (Lesec is probably a study in contrasts with Michel Rolland).
He contends that his wines are natural, unmanipulated that, for the most part, are bottled unfined and unfiltered with low levels of sulphur. He produces many interesting Cotes du Rhone cuvees, but is probably best known for his wines from Chateauneuf du Pape, which he recognizes as an appellation with many phenomenal terroirs.
The 2000 Marquis is showing quite well, it is quite elegant, but also lush, nice black raspberry fruit and soft, chocolatey tannins. I might hold on to this for another 2-3 years, but I don’t expect it to show better than it currently does. Certainly not a blockbuster CdP, but it is a very nice bottle of wine in an old world style that really showcases the Grenache.
His wines are certainly worth seeking out……..they are not the sexiest, biggest fruit bombs on the block, but they are earnest, true and very well made.
Reviews for 2000 Vintage
Wine Advocate
91 points
The Chateauneuf du Pape Marquis is a 16,000 bottle cuvee made from primarily Grenache with a dollop of Mourvedre (7%) and Syrah (3%) included in the blend. The fruit is from two of the appellation’s finest sectors. The 2000 is full-bodied and rich, with loads of black cherry fruit intermixed with plum, fig, tobacco, and lavender characteristics. This unctuous, supple, velvety-textured effort will drink well for 10-12 years.
International Wine Cellar
Points: 90
Good medium ruby. Vinous, aromatic nose of superripe berries, dark chocolate, roasted herbs and violet. Ripe, supple and stylish, with complex, firm flavors. Has excellent breadth. Finishes with fine tannins and a note of chocolate.
