OP shared an interview - for those with a Gray Lady subscription - that I enjoyed despite all the years, as I sipped the 2020 Kermit Lynch rouge [Cabrieres], which is a red ‘Rhone’ esque blend I’d never seen/tried before. This AOC is a village a hour away from Montpelier, with the usual hot days and cold nights diurnal cycling, at some altitude. This red is a blend of syrah, grenache, with a big dollop of cinsault/carignan to balance it out, all from 30 year old wines. Unlike Kermit Lynch’s well regarded, and more available, branded Cotes du Rhone, this doesn’t have any mourvedre, and gives the vibe of being from a single grower, rather than the 40 vats which might go into the CdR. It also gets some older foudre treatment, again unlike the CdR. This Cabrieres - which is the first time I’ve seen the AOC here - is also presented in a Bordeaux bottle, which is probably cheaper and more efficient, but unusual. I find the wine runs hot, with a stated 14.5% abv, but with medium body and a brambly, grapey, hot stone nose. I like the palate, but don’t love it, and it’s best for those who are (over)quaffing without overthinking. I much preferred another ‘country’ French red from the Roussillon village of Pic Saint Loup last week. It would be suitable for anyone who might want to switch out a glugging summer zinfandel, for something French, with a mineral/stone aspect, for grilling drinking. I’d give it a B but would not repurchase, despite it’s potential low cost. Agglomerated cork.
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