From the hilltop town of Suzette, just north of Beaumes de Venise come a wonderful winery, Saint Amant. I've been enjoying their wines for a few years now, and really became a fan after a weekday visit on my way to Chene Bleu this past April.
Last night I popped the cork on the 2014 Grangeneuve which is made from 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan and 10 % Viognier. The wine arrived here about a week ago, and already I'm kicking myself for not purchasing more of it. This is a tremendous wine, and perhaps superior to Domaine du Durban, which also comes from the Baumes de Venise AOC.
It starts out inky, dark, purple in color with a very striking blackberry and blueberry nose. There's a scent of honeysuckle, likely from the Viognier, but as that fades you get gobs of black plums, raspberry, blueberry and cherry flavors. At the winery I tasted the 2015 and can't wait for that to arrive here later in the year.
The wine, which retails for $22.00 is a gem, and is worth seeking out.