Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant

Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant is a vibrant, iconic, and masterfully balanced red blend that stands as California's definitive homage to the classic, history-steeped wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Crafted by the pioneering "Rhône Ranger" Randall Grahm and now under the stewardship of WarRoom Cellars, this celebrated cuvée has evolved over the decades into a beautifully fresh, food-friendly style that emphasizes purity of fruit over heavy oak manipulation. In the glass, it casts a brilliant, clear ruby-violet hue. The highly expressive and lifted nose unrolls an alluring bouquet of wild strawberries, red currants, and pomegranate, seamlessly interwoven with complex undertones of lavender, white pepper, licorice, and a subtle touch of garrigue chaparral spice. On the palate, this medium-bodied red is remarkably supple and bright, driving a succulent, crunchy core of dark raspberry jam, boysenberry, and mace over exceptionally fine-grained, elegant tannins. Driven by a vitalizing line of mouthwatering natural acidity, it carries excellent focus and fruit transparency into a long, beautifully clean finish marked by savory hints of tobacco and black olive.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with herb-roasted lamb, grilled sausages served with ratatouille, savory mushroom risottos, or duck confit.