Amendment 21 Wines

"This has been a reliable producer of terrific values in the Cotes du Rhone (and for their Tavel rose) for a number of years, and they have once again done an admirable job." - Wine Advocate (#201, June 2012)

Here we travel to France’s southern Rhone region where we explore the AOC wine from the village of Lirac. Lirac is located opposite the Rhone river from the prominent Chateauneuf-du-Pape region where Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvedre along with a spate of other autochthonous grapes are blended into red wine nirvana.

The Lirac from Chateau de Segries is crafted from 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan. In the glass, you’ll notice a deep and dark ruby color with an opaque center, indicating a high amount of Syrah. The nose delivers forest aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and black cherry. The palate delivers spicy dark fruit flavors with mildly grippy tannins and a touch of black pepper. With a little aeration this wine really starts to smooth out those grippy tannins.  A fun wine to watch stretch its legs in the glass. This wine will shine alongside barbecued dishes, duck, lamb, sausages, and roast beef. 

$21.00

''The wine is not the tannic monster that is has been in the past. It is much more subtle, elegant, and fresh. In some ways, it is most marked by the Cinsault-- the smallest component in the blend. You might even say that the wine is "lovely" and mean something wholly good.'' Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Carignon, Syrah $34.99

According to Webster’s dictionary, a heretic is: “one who dissents from an accepted belief or doctrine.  A nonconformist.”   This fun little VDP from southern France breaks tradition by offering big flavors and big aromas at a small price!  Les Hérétiques is a blend of Carignane and Syrah and delivers explosive berry fruit mingled with unmistakable barnyard aromas.  The tannins are soft and easy, making it approachable with just about anything.  The result is a value-driven and balanced French red that works great with light to medium dishes based on meats, mushrooms, game, or other earthy elements.  Try it with a baguette and a piece of camembert!  $10.99 (also part of our '2 for $21 section)

“Lively and focused, with a beam of red licorice running through the core of red and black cherry fruit. Polished structure and a lingering apple wood note provide length. Drink now through 2012. 1,800 cases imported.”

The Wine Spectator awarded the 2009 vintage 90 points!  $15.99