Patrick Lesec Chateauneuf du Pape Galets Blonds 2017

Jeb Dunnuck

Sara d'Amato

Old, low-yielding vines are almost a given in the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and this 2017 incarnation is a firm example of that fact showcasing an impressively concentrated palate and sublime balance. Ethereal in nature yet high in alcohol. Tannins are expectedly ripe and feathery giving the wine an immediately accessible nature. Excellent.

Michael Godel

Lesec’s makes reference to the rocks in the vineyard, those big white stones that collect sunshine, radiate heat, mineralize, stratify and then, when it matters most, guarantee the juices and the grip are locked in. Keeps composure and remains poised in the face of that ’17 solar radiation so that pleasure is able to keep away pain. Big wine in all respects, of meat, brawn and guts, but in the end, all heart.

David Lawrason

Here's a young Chateauneuf to cellar for two to three years. It has impressive, strcuture and intensity, with lifted aromas of mulberry/black raspberry, pepper, thyme, pepper and gentle wood. It is full bodied, fairly dense and warm (14.5%) but has the great core of sour-edged energy. Tannins are youthful but proportioned. The length is excellent to outstanding.

Natalie Maclean

An intense, deep, rich and complex Châteauneuf du Pape with ripe cherry, mocha, flinty and wild herb flavours on the palate. Produced from a blend of de-stemmed Grenache grapes matured in stainless steel tanks (75%) and oak barrels. There's also Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes in the blend that are grown on low-yielding old vines planted in sparse, boulder-covered soils around the ancient village of Châteauneuf du Pape in the southern Rhone Valley. Enjoy now and for the next eight years. Pair with a roast leg of lamb.

Robert Parker

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape les Galets Blonds shows some hints of caramelized fruit but for the most part retains a sense of freshness. It's ripe, plush and sexy, with a rich, voluptuous mouthfeel and a long, mouthwatering finish. I'm looking forward to trying it next year from bottle.

Jeb Dunnuck

A gorgeous example of Grenache and a textbook Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2007 Patrick Lesec Les Galets Blonds comes all from La Crau and is a partially destemmed blend of 93% Grenache from 90-year-old vines, and 7% Syrah from 20-25 year old vines. Aged in a combination of stainless steel (Grenache) and 1-4 year old barrels (Syrah), the wine delivers a sumptuous bouquet of roasted herbs, licorice, meat juice, ground pepper, garrigue, and beautifully ripe red and black berry fruits. Full-bodied and decadent on the palate, this stays fresh and lively with good acidity, a smooth, seamless texture, and a classy, very long finish. Beautifully perfumed aromatically and with the fruit to keep it enjoyable in its youth, this should continue to shine over the coming 10-12 years.