Kermit Lynch was raised in San Luis Obispo, but his name has become synonymous with French and Italian wines. In 1972, with a $5,000 loan and maybe a bit of gumption, this writer/musician opened Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant with thirty-five cases of wine stacked on the floor. Attracted by the Old World wine cultures of Europe, Kermit became a retailer, distributor, and national importer for authentic wines that express their terroir. Much like his close friends, the late food writer Richard Olney and Chez Panisse’s founder Alice Waters, Kermit’s influence has been enduring. He has had so much success shining the spotlight on small, artisan producers that he has won two James Beard awards and was knighted by the French government with their prestigious “Legion d’Honneur.”

1st Course
Buttermilk Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli

Wine-Chateau Graville-Lacoste Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, Graves, Bordeaux
“Pale, light golden yellow in color. Full, forward & fragrant nose of ripe citrus aromas of grapefruit, lime zest & a hint of apples with overtones of floral & mineral notes, some honeysuckle, herbal & a hint of flintiness. Light bodied with a good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, crisp, ripe fruit flavors of grapefruit, lemons/limes & green apples with minerals, herbs & some chalkiness. Lingering dry finish. Drinks quite well at present & might develop slightly further with a few more years of additional aging.”

2nd Course
French Style Lasagna

Wine-Domaine Dupeuble Gamay, Beaujolais, Burgundy

“Somehow classic Beaujolais, but somehow a little fuller in style. This Beaujolais from Domaine Dupeuble is a great example of a solid fruit wine. Indeed the fruit might be a bit more pronounced than the classic Beaujolais, and for this reason, this is a wine that will help you transition into the winter season and later on to darker red fruit wines.

Entrée
Lamb Navarin
(Braised French Lamb Stew)

Wine-Kermit Lynch, GSM, Cotes du Rhone, Rhone
Grenache, Syrah. Mourvèdre

“Classic for the style. Has some great herbal notes on the nose (classic lavendar/thyme) and requisite raspberry/cherry and bright red fruits. Some oak. Pleasing red fruits on the palette and a good finish with a little pepper/white & green peppercorn and a vanilla note as well as a touch more oak. Good tannin and acidity.”

Dessert
Almond Cake with Pears and Crème Anglaise

$50 per person