Patrick Lesec Gigondas Cuvee Romaine 2020

Patrick Lesec has been a well-respected negociant winemaker in the Southern Rhone for nearly three decades and this exceptional “Cuvée Romaine” from Gigondas is one of his best...92 points, and nearly 30% off!? That’s what we love to see...

Patrick Lesec is a native Frenchman, who spent a good portion of his adult life running fine-dining restaurants in Santa Barbara, California. It was here that he grew steadily disappointed with what he felt were over-priced offerings from many French estates that had grown too impressed with their own image. So he packed up, headed home, and proved that he could do it better. Over the years, he has done a beyond admirable job of accessing fruit and wines from old, respected vineyards throughout the Southern Rhone and crafting sensational blends that respect regional typicity and varietal characteristics. His skill earned him the moniker of “master blender” from Jeb Dunnuck, with Robert Parker, Jr. going on to say that “... just about anything with the Patrick Lesec label on it deserves a try as the prices are uncommonly fair for wines of such high quality.”

This Cuvée Romaine is a blend of 75% grenache, 20% syrah, and 5% mourvedre, with 15% of the fruit fermented whole cluster. The wine spends some 16 months aging – 80% in tanks and 20% in oak barrels. This is downright solid juice, and wine worthy of any Rhone lover. Aromas of bay laurel, morello cherries, summer raspberries, and mixed berry pie turn to a matching medley of flavors in the mouth, all punctuated with peppery, wild notes and a firm, structured finish. The acidity is fresh and uplifting, giving life and length to a wine that will continue drinking beautifully for another 7 years or so. At this amazing price, you’re going to want a six-pack at the least...and guess what...we’re the only ones in the entire country who have it! While it lasts!