Before I get into this review, I have a quick announcement to bring to your attention.  I, along with Michelle Lentz from My Wine Education, been invited to present the wine tastings this weekend at both Liquor Direct locations in Northern Kentucky.  On Friday, September 26, I will be at the Fort Thomas location from 4-8pm and on Saturday I’ll be at the Covington location from 2-6pm.  I’ll be presenting value wines from Southern France, including a couple whites and a few Côtes du Rhône reds.  Michelle will be opposite me at the Covington location on Friday and in Fort Thomas on Saturday with a “Michelle’s Favorites” theme.  Stop on by to try some wine.  One of the selections will be this one I’m reviewing today from Kermit Lynch.

Kermit Lynch got into the wine business as a retailer in California and later ventured into importing and distribution.  As an importer, Kermit Lynch is one name that I trust.  Many of the wines they import don’t fall into my under $20 price range, but when I find ones that do I snatch them up.  They are typically very selective about the wines they import and I have high a level of assurance that I won’t be disappointed with the quality when I see the Lynch name on the label.

This is an example of a Kermit Lynch import that is a good bargain.  It’s worth the price, although I would approach this as an everyday wine versus something for special occasions.

I wasn’t able to find out a whole lot about the exact variety blend or the vineyard locations for this one, so all I can offer you are my tasting notes.

Smokey oak, barnyard, and black cherry make up the bouquet.  I was really surprised to get an oak quality in the nose since I don’t believe this wine has ever touched oak.  Côtes du Rhône wines are typically “drink now” style wines and are fermented in cement vats and are not aged in oak.  I would say that aroma is indicative of the earthiness you find in French wines.

The palate is very well balanced.  There is a decent amount of fruit with plum and black cherry, complemented by a crisp acidity, chocolate on the mid-palate and velvety tannins throughout.  It’s a little bit spicy on the finish and a little bit smokey/earthy too.  This is a decent wine now, but will be better in a couple more years.

Wine: Cuvée Sélectionée par Kermit Lynch
Varietal: Côtes du Rhône
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 86
Price Paid: $14.98