2021 Domaine de l'Amandine Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Séguret

L'Amandine ranks as one of my favorite small family operations in our Direct Import portfolio. When I met vigneron Alex Suter back at a wine fair in 2018 we hit it off immediately. I made sure to visit the property when I returned in March and I loved the focus and simplicity of their winemaking and the freshness and style of the wines. Everything was built by his father in law back in the 60s who built the walls of the winery and installed the large concrete tanks. Not much has changed since then except maybe the overall volume of production as they have increased their holdings. Also, they started their organic certification with the 2020 vintage and are fully certified for the 2023 harvest. Usually that means price increases but we have kept this wine at a humble $15 almost since the day we began working with it. And it still remains one of our vest values. The 2021 is elegant and refined with cherry and strawberry fruit, soft licorice notes and aromas of pipe tobacco and fresh bay leaf. It has silky tannins and a medium bodied that feels almost weightless. This is another great daily drinker that will elevate your weeknight wine game!