2000 Cornas Le Vignon

Le Vignon includes all the stems, resulting in more acid, tannin, and structure. Savage and rustic, the 2000 Cornas Le Vignon’s dense purple color is followed by a complex bouquet of blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with notions of new saddle leather, earth, and pepper. Full-bodied, structured, and more acidic than the Cuvee Sarah, with the stem influence noticeable in its firm, tannic finish, this cuvee needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for 10-12 years. Wine broker Patrick Lesec purchases his Cornas from steep, hillside vineyards owned by one of the appellation’s top growers. The wine is kept in small barrels, aged on its lees, and bottled without fining or filtration after virtually no racking and minimal sulphur additions. These efforts often require several years after bottling to reveal their personalities. A Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 938-0029, Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and Associated Wine Distributors, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-8048