KERMIT LYNCH IS IN THE HOUSE

This weekend we got to finally get full-on behind the wines of Kermit Lynch. We’ve had a sort-of topsy-turvy access to them for the past few years, but now Heidelberg of Northern Kentucky has stepped up to represent a good portion of the wines in our fair state, and so we decided to host a tasting with 5 selections. The line-up was:
1. Chateau St. Martin de la Garrigue Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc 2007 ($15.98)
2. Domaine de Reuilly Reuilly “Pierres Plates” 2007 ($20.98)
3. Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote-de-Nuits-Villages 2006 ($29.98)
4. Kermit Lynch Cotes-du-Rhone 2006 ($14.98)
5. Tintero Moscato d’Asti Sori Gramella 2007 ($14.59)

Starting off with Chateau St. Martin de la Garrigue Blanc, this dry white is a blend of Picpoul, Terret Bouret, Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, each lending subtle nuances that range from light d’Anjou pear to lilac to creamy apricot aromas and flavors. Soft and light, it is a terrific wine for this time of year, refreshing and easy-on-the-palate. Reaction was overwhelmingly positive.

Next was the Domaine de Reuilly, a tart, vibrant and exuberant Sauvignon Blanc from a less-recognized burg in the Loire Valley. For those of you unfamiliar with Reuilly, this village is separated from the Pouilly-sur-Loire (home to more notable Sauvignon producers like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume) and lies far west, on the western border of the equally-unsung Quincy. This reminds me of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with all the dancing, prancing grapefruit flavors knocking about in the mouth. There are hints of lime zest, guava and subtle nuances of chalky minerality. A really nice aperitif wine. Reaction here was mixed, due mostly to the surprising tartness.

The Gachot-Monot was a beautifully crafted red Burgundy, with mouthwatering cherry and red berry fruit flavors, hints of spice and earth, and well-balanced acidity. Definitely the star of the show, this luxurious intro to the Cote de Nuit has remarkable personality in the glass and on the palate.

Kermit Lynch has his own signature Cotes-du-Rhone, made by Domaine du Durban of the Southern Rhone. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, this delicious, medium-bodied red is a real crowdpleaser, with spicy red raspberry, hints of blackberry and red currant with slight traces of white pepper. One of the best values from Rhone. Reaction was enthusiastic, especially when told the price.

The closer of the tasting was a new Italian entry into Kermit’s portfolio – the Tintero Moscato. Gorgeous aromas of white flowers, white peaches, fresh-picked apricots and freshly sliced nectarines. Slightly-sweet and effervescent, this low-alcohol beauty is the perfect reward to a hot and grueling day. Everyone loved this one.

There will be more Kermit Lynch wines tricking in over the summer and well into fall. Look for them soon.