I am rarely disappointed when I drink a wine imported by Kermit Lynch, and I was far from bummed when I tested out the 2018 Domaine Monier-Perreol Saint Joseph last week. Quite the opposite, I was overcome with emotion and joy when I smelled and tasted this micro-production, certified biodynamic Syrah.
Northern Rhone Syrah holds a special place in the hearts of many wine lovers, collectors, and sommeliers. When made by the right people, it is one of the most sensual wines of any, with soaring aromatics and savory flavors rarely encountered in other fermented drinks. I count myself as a big fan, and this wine embodies those characteristics fully.
2018 Domaine Monier-Perreol Saint Joseph Rouge
“One of the best red wines I’ve tasted in 2021….yet!” – Josh Spurling – 95 points
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Kermit Lynch has a knack for bringing like-minded growers and producers together, and that is exactly how the team at Monier-Perreol joined forces. Famed grower Jean-Pierre Monier entered into a working relationship with Philippe Perréol in 2008. Both growers shared a vision for producing pure, terroir-driven, Syrah-based wines from the granitic soils of Saint Joseph. Equally, both growers were early adopters of biodynamic farming, and both made tiny volumes of wine. Their decision to join forces was one based on mutual respect and one to help to meet increased market demand.
I am very glad the two started making wines together, and I am also incredibly enthused that I bought my distributor’s last 3 cases. This is one of those wines that is like James Brown, it’s got lots of soul! From certified biodynamic/organic vineyards, this is a wine that Northern Rhone expert John Livingstone-Learmonth has developed a category for. He calls it “STGT,” short for “Soil to Glass Transfer.” He explains in his definitive classic, The Wines of the Northern Rhône, “This is a numerically small group, one that has survived the onslaught of marketing campaigns, press hype, fashions in winemaking, and wine school orthodoxies.”
I love that “Soil to Glass Transfer” term, and I absolutely adore this wine. 100% Syrah, all destemmed and fermented in cement vats, the wine sees 12 months of aging in large, old, neutral oak casks. To smell and taste this is to experience the timely essence of Northern Rhone Syrah from two masters of the region. The wine pours a deep color and the bouquet is invigorating with a wonderful balance of blue and purple fruits and savory spice, black olive, violet, and cracked black pepper. The palate full bodied yet lush, supple, and incredibly satisfying. I can’t think of a sub-$50 French red that does more for me.
One of the best red wines I’ve tasted in 2021, I’m looking forward to enjoying this with a spread of cured meats, pates, cheeses, olives, and bread. I suggest you do the same. Sadly, there are only 36 bottles up for grabs — they will be gone in a flash. Cheers to Monsieur(s) Monier and Perreol, cheers to Kermit Lynch, and cheers to happy drinking and eating in Asheville!
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville