Kermit Lynch Tasting Next Wednesday

 

For only $15, you'll get to taste the following wines from all over France, snack on delicious hors d'ouevres provided by Marche, and seek the expert knowledge of Ashley Hall from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant.

• Kuentz-Bas Alsace - organic
• Domaine de la Cadette Vezelay - organic
• Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel
• Domaine Diochon Moulin-a-Vent
• Domaine Gachot-Monot Cotes de Nuits
• Dom. Catherine le Gœuil Cairanne Côtes du Rhône Villages

 
Reservations are required.                                                                                                        Call us (228-3311)or email us (info@woodlandwinemerchant.com) to reserve your spot!

Who is Kermit Lynch?

Known to many as " the Wine Hippie", Kermit Lynch is one of our favorite importers. Before it was cool, or even profitable, Kermit was traveling all over France sending back his favorite wines to his now famous shop in Berkeley. Lynch's success is due largely to his single-minded pursuit of one goal - to guarantee that his wines would taste as good on arrival to America's shores as they did in France. To accomplish such an ordinary, common-sense goal, Kermit Lynch developed an uncompromising philosophy that included:

1. natural bottling of his producers' wines, which signified little or no fining or filtration
2. insisting that the trucks that assembled his producers' wines in France be refrigerated
3. shipping all of his wine to America in temperature-controlled containers, called reefers.

 

His influence has been significant, and his historical importance, particularly with respect to the quality of wine we drink, cannot be minimalized. He has built one of the most respected and sought after wine portfolios in the US.

 

 

Very Serious Shiraz

It seems that most people only think of Shiraz as a fruity wine that is inexpensive and easy-drinking. However, Shiraz has a serious side. We all loved Bill Murray in Caddyshack and Ghostbusters, but it was his performances in smaller films such as Rushmore, Lost in Translation, and Broken Flowers that proved the real depth of his acting ability. Maybe it just takes a Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch or Sofia Coppola to bring that side out. It couldn't be more true with reference to

winemakers and the grapes they transform into wines.

 

This week we're offering some amazing deals on the serious, art-house side of Shiraz. They're made by young, up-and-coming winemakers with innovative methods and painstaking attention to detail. The wines have a joyous exuberance of fruit much like their more inexpensive contemporaries, but what really sets them apart is how the joyous fruit is just layered upon layer, supported by more complex and intense notes. They've got enthusiastic critical acclaim. And they're great investments for cellaring. 

 

2004 Glaetzer "The Bishop" Shiraz - $25 (average US price $40)

 

Fashioned from some of Ben Glaetzer's "younger" vines (only 40-80 years old). A spicy, peppery, earthy, cherry, blackberry, and licorice-scented bouquet is turbo-charged, soaring from the glass. This full-bodied, savory, heady, rich wine boasts impressive balance, concentration, and overall mouthfeel. One of the stars in the Barossa Valley, the young Ben Glaetzer is establishing a reputation for high quality in South Australia, not only for the wines from his home winery, but also for his brilliant efforts under the Amon Ra and Mitolo labels. These are small volume, artisinal efforts that capture the pure essence of old vine Barossa Shiraz.

- Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate), 94 points

- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 91+ points

- Wine Spectator, 94 points

 

2004 Kaesler "The Bogan" Shiraz - $35 (average US price $60)

 

A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier aged 20 months in primarily American oak. Deep ruby. Densely concentrated and sweet on the nose, with powerful aromas of red and dark berries, licorice, mocha, violet, rose, magnolia and minerals. Explosively rich on the palate, with cassis and blackberry flavors showing a liqueur-like aspect but also impressive energy and purity. Notes of sexy oak spice emerge on the finish, along with a hint of vanilla. Strikingly long, sexy wine, with silky tannins and wonderful sweetness. Only 1000 cases made.

- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 93 points 

- Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate), 95 points

- Wine Spectator, 94 points

 

2005 Massena "The 11th Hour" Shiraz - $40 (average US price $48)

 

From 60- to 100-year old vines that were saved from the bulldozer during the infamous Barossa "vine pull" (hence the name), this wine was aged in 100% French oak, of which 5% was new. Sweet, pure aromas of blackberries, blueberries, crushed pepper, and flowers jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored Shiraz. As one might expect from such tiny yields, it is a wine of great intensity, massive body, and tremendous purity, definition, and length. While still primary, it gives all the indications of being a modern day classic that should last and improve for 15-20 years. This is a joint project between Dan Standish (ex-Torbreck) and Jaysen Collins (ex-St. Hallet and general manager of Turkey Flat.) Only 1000 cases made.

- Robert Parker (the Wine Advocate), 96 points. 

Special Offer

2004 Clos Mimi Petite Rousse Was $18; SALE $15

 

This syrah is from a bit closer to home . . . Paso Robles, California. A lovely pink label that always enthralls, and a wine that is equally attractive.Meaning "little redhead," this 100% Syrah is certainly redolent of youthful vigor, with a bit of seductiveness too (it makes Courtney think of one of her favorite albums, Serge Gainsbourg's Histoire de Melody Nelson,  the "French Elvis" (and notorious playboy)'s 38-minute, gorgeously orchestrated ode to a cute redhead). Almost pinot noir-like in its supple, elegant body, but with a bit more "joie de vivre:" brimming with bright cherries, raspberries and blackberry liquor flavors with a hint of licorice, smoke and spice.

Wine of the Week

 

2006 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda $11

 

Bonarda! What? Originally from Italy, it's now being cultivated in Argentina, and is a great alternative for those who dig anything red and delicious...This is the latest release from Altos Las Hormigas. Famous for their Malbecs, the lesser-known Bonarda is ideal for those seeking a big wine for a small price. Unoaked, it has very vibrant flavors of plum,vanilla, and a little earth. Silky smooth and incredibly juicy, this inky wine leaves a nice, lingering finish. And very affordable! See why it is our "Wine of the Week".