Wine of the Week! 11/11/2024

Bonny Doon
Le Cigare Volant

Normally $20.99 / Now on Sale for $16.96
61% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 4% Petite Sirah (Central Coast AVA)

In the 80s, rouge winemaker Randall Grahm took his first stab at Bonny Doon by boldly marching down a less than fruitful path — making Central California a new Burgundy. When that idea proved to be not so hot, Grahm changed direction. His next Central Coast thought was to grow Rhône grapes — Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, etc. When that path revealed more appealing vistas, Bonny Doon Vineyards was born.

Grahm has since trundled off down his own path, having sold the winery to California wine group WarRoom Ventures in 2020. Currently, Bonny Doon is overseen by associate winemaker and production manager Nicole Walsh of Lapis Luna Wines and Ser Winery.

The fruit for the Le Cigare Volant is grown in several plots in the Central Coast AVA. Its majority of Grenache comes from cold Central Coast climes that provide long growing seasons, giving a “spicy, peppery quality” to the grape. These qualities are countered by the plumpness of the Cinsault. Bonny Doon ages the wine in stainless steel before bottling it just ten months after harvest to retain the freshness of this fruitopic medium-bodied red.