2008 Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant

Like this wine so much I bought the tee shirt!

The 2008 vintage of this wine is in a lovely place. Not so much about the fruit at this point, but there is definitely some cherry remaining. Instead, there is a lovely savory quality here. Earthy, but almost saline. What really stood out to me was the mouth feel. There is a soft, fuzzy, warm feeling to this wine. Not as in alcoholic heat, and maybe I am reaching for a descriptor, but "warm" is the best term I can come up with! And fuzzy. It was quite lovely however you describe it.

Right at this moment in time, I prefer this 2008 "regular" bottling to the 2009 "Reserve" was enjoyed last year.

[David M. Bueker]

That sounds lovely.

I like what Randall is doing these days. I don't like the prices he is charging, but I can say that about almost everyone.

Thanks for the review. I've noticed that soft, warm mouth-feel in a lot of Randall's reds. Le Cigare Volant's sister rose--Vin Gris de Cigare--is one of my favorite summer wines.

Where does Randall Grahm get his grapes these days? Is the original vineyard in Bonny Doon still plagued with Pierce's Disease?

-Paul W.

Thanks for the review. I've noticed that soft, warm mouth-feel in a lot of Randall's reds. Le Cigare Volant's sister rose--Vin Gris de Cigare--is one of my favorite summer wines.

Where does Randall Grahm get his grapes these days? Is the original vineyard in Bonny Doon still plagued with Pierce's Disease?

-Paul W.

Not really sure exactly. The Bonny Doon website references "Garrigue de Salinas" But more generally "Central Coast".

I should ask. I partly joined the Bonny Doon club 1. because I love the wines and 2. an excuse to visit Santa Cruz quarterly. (I love Santa Cruz. Too bad it is so expensive, seismically active, and hard to get to!)

I really like his Syrahs from Bien Nacido as well! His Syrahs all seem to have a "sauvage" character to them that is fantastic with grilled meats!

That sounds lovely.

I like what Randall is doing these days. I don't like the prices he is charging, but I can say that about almost everyone.

Yeah. At the same time, he puts out quite a few wines that are under $20 that are perfectly lovely as picnic wines or Monday Night Supper wines.

Compared to hyper inflated Napa Cabs, I don't even see $40 as that bad for a 2008 library wine. But then, that is because I am a bit of an "addict" in the collecting thing, so my poor budgeting should not guide anyone else!