We have been enjoying wines from Bonny Doon and Randall Grahm for many decades now and hope to continue this trend indefinitely. He is one of the original "Rhône Rangers" in California, one of a handful of winemakers who pioneered working with Rhône varietals in California's Central Coast to try and create wines that reflect their place of origin, their terroir. While Grahm initially sought to make the 'great American Pinot Noir,' he soon discovered that the climate and soils he was working with were much better suited for grapes popularized in the Rhône region in France: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, etc. His first release of "Le Cigare Volant" (or 'flying cigar' referenced below) was the 1984 vintage and was his homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We remember that first vintage of "Le Cigare" and are ecstatic that all these years later we are still enjoying the fruits of Randall's labor and that his wine captured our top spot for September.
Background Story: In 1954, the village council of Chateauneuf-du-Pape was quite perturbed and apprehensive that flying saucers or "flying cigares" might do damage to their vineyards, were they to land therin. So right-thinking men all, they passed an ordinance prohibiting the landing of flying saucers or flying cigares in their vineyards. The ordinance further states that flying saucers or flying cigares that did land were to be taken immediately to the pound. While many believe this was more of a publicity stunt to highlight the region's wines at the time, we applaud the bravery of Mr. Grahm to continue vigilance against potential extraterrestrial invaders.
Our Notes: The '23 Cigare is expressive. Wild strawberry, rhubarb, black pepper, and tobacco, with background hints of dark berries, forest floor and a touch of minerality, make this an easy-drinking, elegant choice. This year's blend is comprised of 69% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 14% Cinsault and 2% Petite Sirah. 14.5 % abv.
Winemaker Notes: "The fruit is carefully selected to ensure its full potential of ripeness with balanced chemistry, and as usual for Cigare, Grenache is the star of the show. As we all know, Grenache grown in relatively cool sites in coastal California has a growing season long enough for it to create the spicy, peppery quality that we love so much and expect to taste in Cigare. We included, as is our wont, some wonderful Cinsault, a rather plump and juicy grape, which was signee to a fare-thee-well, to increase the concentration of this lightly colored and structured grape. The wine was aged in stainless steel tank and bottled ten months after harvest to preserve freshness and vibrancy." - Randall Grahm (Director of Winemaking/Founder)
Background Story: In 1954, the village council of Chateauneuf-du-Pape was quite perturbed and apprehensive that flying saucers or "flying cigares" might do damage to their vineyards, were they to land therin. So right-thinking men all, they passed an ordinance prohibiting the landing of flying saucers or flying cigares in their vineyards. The ordinance further states that flying saucers or flying cigares that did land were to be taken immediately to the pound. While many believe this was more of a publicity stunt to highlight the region's wines at the time, we applaud the bravery of Mr. Grahm to continue vigilance against potential extraterrestrial invaders.
Our Notes: The '23 Cigare is expressive. Wild strawberry, rhubarb, black pepper, and tobacco, with background hints of dark berries, forest floor and a touch of minerality, make this an easy-drinking, elegant choice. This year's blend is comprised of 69% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 14% Cinsault and 2% Petite Sirah. 14.5 % abv.
Winemaker Notes: "The fruit is carefully selected to ensure its full potential of ripeness with balanced chemistry, and as usual for Cigare, Grenache is the star of the show. As we all know, Grenache grown in relatively cool sites in coastal California has a growing season long enough for it to create the spicy, peppery quality that we love so much and expect to taste in Cigare. We included, as is our wont, some wonderful Cinsault, a rather plump and juicy grape, which was signee to a fare-thee-well, to increase the concentration of this lightly colored and structured grape. The wine was aged in stainless steel tank and bottled ten months after harvest to preserve freshness and vibrancy." - Randall Grahm (Director of Winemaking/Founder)
