Posted by Hardy Wallace on July 02, 2009 at 06:15 AM in Atlanta, Beaujolais, Cru Beaujolais, Current Affairs, Kermit Lynch, USTREAM, Web/Tech, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
The other night, I got together with Rowdy for a late night drink and think.
I broke my rule of "never bring one" (bottle), and like a total jackass, I brought a flawed Beaujolais Blanc with no back-up. Instead we rummaged through Rowdy's stacks and picked these two. An 07 Beaujolais (not Villages, not Cru, just straight up Boo-Juice) and a young 06 Bourgueil.
I drink a fair amount of Beaujolais, but always stick to crippy Cru-Boos in fear that the straight up B's are going to deliver nothing but thin candy, acid, and bitter tang...
Seeing this in the stacks, I saw it was a Kermit Lynch import and was curious to try it.
2007 Domaine Dupeuble Pere et Fils Beaujolais
(France, Burgundy, Beaujolias) Gamay variety. Bought in TN. $11-$14 online at Snooth
Light cherry colored, thin, but then a seriously majestic nose of rose, spice, and strawberry. Light+ bodied, and a little cranberry, solid acids, low tannin, and a medium- acidic finish.
The nose is the show-stopper here. Seriously beautiful without being a hodge-podge of laffy-taffy and circus peanuts. The palate and finish is fairly simple, but this wine delivers serious pleasure for the price. I would buy a bunch for everyday drinkers and almost like a good rosé, this would pair well with almost anything.
2006 Yannick Amirault Bourgueil Les Quartiers
(France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Bourgueil) Cabernet Franc variety. About $30.
Medium red, and a full nose of big pepper (green and black), big rock, not fully ripe berry, and herbs. A super-tight, wide palate, that fills the mouth with good acidity and medium+ tannins. Long tannic finish.
This will be a beautiful wine- I'd just give it another year or so before approaching my next one. (or try a mega-decant).
Paired with these wines-- BACON Sandwiches!! Crazy good stuff- Bacon, kale, spinach, apple, sage, and a little Gruyere.... Man. Perfect late night snack.
Posted by Hardy Wallace on March 14, 2009 at 07:24 AM in Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, Kermit Lynch, loire, Under $15 | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Posted by Hardy Wallace on March 11, 2009 at 08:41 AM in 90's, Atlanta, Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Events, Kermit Lynch, loire, South Africa, Syrah | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
There is something about the aging, speed freak, Karate choppin', Elvis- It's the incredible energy combined with quick circular hand motions, an occasional kick, a bedazzled cape, and a runaway train of a band just burning down the track. It gets you charged and riled up. But now imagine something challenging, perhaps a little bizarre, and stankingly awesome (like Glen Velez and Lori Cotler) that transports your inner Cornholio to the same place. This is Savennières. The stony, freak show, of a delicious wine that unapologetically meets more foes than friends.
If you are unfamiliar with Savennières- Slate wrote a decent piece a while back.
Posted by Hardy Wallace on January 27, 2009 at 07:49 AM in 90's, Chenin Blanc, Dirty South Wine Picks, Kermit Lynch, loire, Savennieres | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
With high hopes for the Dirty Birds making it deep into the post-season, I had a potluck party for what was going to be the big game and decided to open a bunch of bottles (hopefully in victory!) Among these bottles were a few importer samples that were sent before the holidays. Possessing what sometimes must appear to be a jaded palate, I wanted my guests to taste these blind and get their opinions.
2008 Tamari Torrontés Rerserva *
(Argentina, Mendoza) Approx Retail $13.99. Unsure of ATL availability. Imported by Terlato Wines International
Pale, yellow. A burst of concentrated orange blossom, as if it were growing through the roof of a West Bengal sweet shop. Flowers, Citrus, Spice, Rose. Medium bodied, a little viscous, more flowers, and apricot on the palate. A touch of residual sugar, but not sweet. Good food friendly acidity, a medium length, almost apple-cider like finish.
An easy crowd-pleaser. After revealing the approx. price, thumbs up almost all around. This Torrontés paired really well with some charcuterie that I picked up from Star P.
-Other notes. Heavier bodied than other Torrontés I've had. Only negative comment in the room was that the floral nose was too concentrated.
Verdict-
Room & Me: Pretty Dirty (most would buy)
2007 Tamari Malbec Reserva *
Argentina, Mendoza) Approx Retail $13.99. Unsure of ATL availability. Imported by Terlato Wines International
A purple wine with a cherry colored rim. An intense nose of blackberry, plum, and a little vanilla. Something about most Malbec always smells "Furry" to me- like the smell has its own texture. Full bodied, with a velvety palate, medium sticky tannins, fairly acidic, and a long semi-chalky finish.
Most of the room approved. This is a big, young wine. It is tightly wound- and it became more appreciated after being opened for an hour or so. This isn't quite my style, but Smylie, a lover of Malbec and new world juice, gave a nod of approval. Again, at about $14, it is priced well.
Verdict-
Room: Fairly Dirty.
*Imorter Samples
2007 Nigl Güner Veltliner Piri
(Austria, Niederösterreich, Kremstal) Approx. $35 Thierry Theise Selection Available locally at Wine Gallery and Market.
Pale yellow. Crisp pear, ROCK (like sniffin' on ol' Stone Mountain during the laser show!), cream- An amazing nose. Fruit and steel on the palate. Great acids, a long citrus finish.
Paired great with Rowdy's prosciutto with homeade apple/mustard marmalade, spinach leaf, with a touch of lemon vinaigrette.... YO!
Verdict-
DURRTY (not cheap, but excellent G_G_G_Grooooner!)
We had a few other bottles, and I probably don't have time to write everything up-
But a few other suggestions (without full notes)
2004 Domaine de La Cadette Bougogne Blanc
(France, Burgundy) Chardonnay. Approximately $10 (not sure if this was a closeout) at Ansley Wine Merchants! Kermit Lynch Import
One of the best bottles of $10 white wine I've EVER had. Good, Cheap Burgundy! If you are a fanatic riding the ABC bus (Anything But Chardonnay) and you don't like this one... I'll sick the dogs on you!
N.V. J. Lassalle Brut Chigny-les-Roses 1er Cru Champagne
(France, Champagne, Montagne des Reims) Under $40 at Ansley Wine Merchants. Kermit Lynch Import
It is hard to find really good Champagne for under $40. There is a lot of stuff that is drinkable, but this is goood. ELEGANT BALANCE!
(Don't let the name fool you- this is not a rosé Champagne)
Posted by Hardy Wallace on January 08, 2009 at 06:44 AM in Atlanta, Birds, Burgundy, Chardonnay, Dirty, Kermit Lynch, Pretty Dirty, Under $15, Under $25 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Posted by Hardy Wallace on October 09, 2008 at 09:45 PM in 90's, Alsace, Atlanta, Birds, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Cru Beaujolais, Crushpad, Dynamic Dish, Events, Food and Drink, Gewurztraminer, Kermit Lynch, Rhone, Riesling, Trader Vic's, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
"People drink when times are good. People drink more when times are bad..."
(But their average price per bottle probably drops.)
In preparation for a potential Economic Thermonuclear Armageddon, here are a 3 relative bargains to help wash down some economic fire & brimstone.
2006 Frédéric Giachino Vin de Savoie Abymes Tradition
(France, Savoie, Vin de Savoie Abymes) Approx. $14 at Ansley Wine Merchants. Jacquère Variety
Good yellow color. An initial aroma of pineapple, cold rocks, and light lemongrass. Medium bodied- crazy acids, and a big, mineral laden finish (maybe a little bitter to some- worked great with roasted sweet potatoes).
Fairly simple, but tasty, and unique. At under $15 bottle, I'm going to crush a bunch of these hobo-style with a can of sardines. I'm buying mo' fo' sho'!
2005 H. Brunier & Fils Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Le Pigeoulet en Provence
(France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vin de Pays de Vaucluse) Under $20 from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. White Rhone Blend.
Closed for business at first. Just some waxy fruit reminiscent of Nik-L-Nips. On day 2- Great white Rhone flavors- White flowers, pear and peach, some minerals. Beautiful stuff. Rich on the palate with good acidity, nice minerals, and a long, light mineral finish.
I need little more than this in a wine to be happy. Complex, refreshing, delicious.... Money well spent. Under $20, but drinks somewhat luxurious.
2006 Altesino Rosso di Altesino Toscana IGT
(Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT) Under $19 at Ansley Wine Merchants.
Purple. Big fruit. Cherry, leather-fruit (c'mon- work with me!), some hot tar, and giga-vanilla. Lots of fruit and acid on the palate, and a bit of an earthy finish.
On its own, this isn't my style, but with some of my Dirty Lamb Burgers- this sucka' was tasty!
------------
Here's to Good times!!!!
Posted by Hardy Wallace on September 29, 2008 at 01:01 PM in Food and Drink, Italian, Kermit Lynch, Rhone | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Though I've spent a lot of time in the Bay Area, I oddly never made the trip to Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant in Berkeley.
2006 Clos Ste. Magdeleine Cassis
(France, Provence, Cassis) White Blend (Marsanne? Ugni Blanc?) Approx $20.
Yellow. Stankin' up the joint with minerals & melon, basil & anise- Flinty.
Medium bodied with tons of minerals, salt, and acidity on the palate. Crazy tangy and a long rocky finish.
Somewhat light and easy drinking, but this was a refreshing bottle. (Day 2, this was far more expressive). I like it.
2006 Chanrion Côte de Brouilly Domaine de la Voute des Crozes
(France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Côte de Brouilly) Gamay. Approx. $20
Cherry colored. A big aroma of hot dinner rolls, Super-Floral- like gawt-damnged tulips! (and roses), and a little red grape.
Medium bodied, some berry and earth on the palate. Nice acidity, small gripping tannins (like being gently squeezed by hundreds of cupie doll hands!), dirty, slightly bitter finish.
Posted by Hardy Wallace on September 24, 2008 at 07:39 PM in Cru Beaujolais, Kermit Lynch, Travel | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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