Featured Winery, Winter 2007
Lynmar Winery
Lynmar Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2005 ($31)
Lynmar Chardonnay "Quail Hill Vineyard"
Russian River Valley 2004 ($43)
Lynmar Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2004 ($38)
THE LYNMAR WINERY MIXED CASE
Four bottles of each wine above
$400
That's over 10% off all the wines.
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Lynmar, Back Room Wines new Featured Winery, isn’t the newest kid on the block. They’ve produced good to very good Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their Russian River Valley vineyards since 1990. I’ve tasted and liked their wines for many vintages, but usually found them not quite good enough to offer or a little too pricey for what was offered. Historically it’s been a wine I endorse but not champion.
Starting in 2002, things took a turn for the better. Many millions of dollars were put into the vineyards & winery and world class winemaking talent was hired. Starting with their 2004’s, the wines are undeniably outstanding. Their packed full of flavor, richness, nuance and (definitely) are very good values.
We love having the two Chardonnays and one Pinot Noir that I describe below. We sell them enthusiastically, and often, to folks who come into the store. I’d love you to buy them from Back Room Wines, but also take these notes to heart and remember them should you be in a fine restaurant somewhere around the country. Lynmar doesn’t make a lot of wine, but they don’t make a little, either. If you’re trying to pick a wine off the wine list and you see Lynmar (2004 or 2005 preferably), buy it.
Before tasting notes, a few facts for you. The Winemaker is Hugh Chapelle, who before this job was the winemaker for Flowers. Winemaker all-star Paul Hobbs consults. Unlike many winemaker/consultant relationships, I bet that Paul truly advises and Hugh calls the shots. This is just conjecture, and however method decisions are made, it’s working. Of course, the vineyard's the thing. Lynmar’s “Quail Hill Vineyard” is in the heart of Russian River Valley, just above the very cool Green Valley. This means the grapes soak in the California sun and get very ripe and the relatively cool weather keeps acids high and wines perky. "Quail Hill Vineyard" is farmed organically, which is nice. Pinot Noir, which covers 70% of “Quail Hill," is the star. It typically makes dark, lush, spicy wine. Chardonnays from this region are usually rich, bright and strong. More flavors captured in these featured wines are below.
Hope I’ve tempted you. Read on, please, and if you’re ready, contact us and order some.
Try the order page, email us, or give us a ring (Toll free, 877-322-2576). Thank you!
Lynmar Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2005 ($31)
Lynmar’s “Quail Hill Vineyard” is the principal source of grapes for this wine. It’s pleasingly plump. Tropical fruits pineapple and mango come out first, then whipping cream (unwhipped), cinnamon toast, and pear tart come to mind. Yes, lots of sweet sensations. Not sweet. This ample Chardonnay is a great match with a thick, pan fried pork chop and roasted potatoes.
Lynmar Chardonnay, "Quail Hill Vineyard" Russian River Valley 2004 ($43)
This is all “Estate” fruit, and is Lynmar’s top-of-the-line Chardonnay.
Why do I like this wine? It captures the power and richness of fine Chardonnay while still capturing the flavor of the land (like a good Burgundy). Citrus peel and mineral notes replace the tropical and sweet cream impressions from above. The power is more subtle here, and it creeps up on you in a long, evolving finish. There’s a lot going on here: brioche, chalk, toast. Best notes I saw on this wine come from the Arizona Republic: “This will make you fall in love with Chardonnay all over again.” Yes. One of the top ten Chardonnays I’ve tasted all year.
Lynmar Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley 2004 ($38)
As proud as Lynmar is of their Chardonnays, there’s no denying that Pinot Noir is their superstar. Again, the Russian River Valley bottling is mostly “Quail Hill” Pinot. This wine is a show-off. Plum preserves, cherries jubilee and rose-scented candles come to mind. A typical description for Russian River Pinot Noir is silky, and this wine is certainly that. As ripe as it is, I’m pleased to see that the alcohol is listed at a relatively subdued 14.4%. Enjoy this very California Pinot Noir with roasted ham, boar, filet, fatty fish (salmon of course), duck breast (of course) or a really good cheeseburger (gruyere please).