I told you so… 2009 is stacking up to be one of those vintages where everything I put in my mouth is just sensational. In 2000, when the 1998 Southern Rhone wines came to market, we bought over 65 cases of Chateauneuf du Pape alone. We can’t do that again without buying another house to store all the wine in… We can’t do that again… Hmmm…

Kermit Lynch is known by many to be one the ground-breaking negociant/importers that specializes in small, out of the way producers that make terrific wines. That was many decades ago and now his fame lends itself to “private” label wines of his own creation. With the 2009 Cypress Cuvée, Mr. Lynch did alright… especially at an average retail cost of $15.99…

My tasting note:

Youthful, earthy nose with fresh cherry, strawberry and truffle hints. Medium-to-full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm, dry tannin. Good balance. Lush palate with blackberry, cacao and gamey notes – classic CDR. Long finish with spice and dried fruit notes – like a Vino Ripasso! Drinking well and should easily improve for another 5 to 7 years in the bottle. Great value!

The Kermit Lynch web site states the 2009 vintage is 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, clearly verified by the structure and spicy notes. I don’t have production numbers, but I would not dawdle – wine this good will not last long!

Cheers!