Bonny Doon Vin Gris De Cigare

“This wine is quite emblematic of the great sea change that has occurred at Bonny Doon Vineyard since the sell-off/ draw-down of the Ginormous Doonamath, whereby we have essayed a most sincere effort to make “quieter” wines in a more natural, less manipulated fashion. As such, this Vin Gris is made from bespoke grapes and is not a byproduct of red wine production, per se. We harvested at the appropriate ripeness level for its style. The essential principle here is that less is truly more. The wine does not overwhelm one with fruity-bombasticity; it’s charms are seductively subtle. An extremely elegant and complex Vin Gris de Cigare.

In appearance, almost Cate Blanchettish in its pale elegance, a beautiful subtle salmon color (the wine, not Cate). On the nose, subtle suggestions of rose hips, linden flower, black currant as well as a slightly toastiness (methinks perhaps due to the extended bâtonnage and lees contact). On the palate, wonderful bracing natural acidity, good weight and comforting viscosity. Some discreet floral and fruity suggestions, (mostly ribes with background black-cherry notes). Let us presently offer a simple prayer: While virtually all of the ’18 vintage Vin Gris will be consumed within a year of purchase, may there be a few smart cookies who put the wine aside for several years to see it reach its full potential (and will be enormously well rewarded for doing so).”

“Grahm scored a hit with this Vin Gris de Cigare long before rosé became a craze. The wine is a blend of traditional Rhone grapes, with a third of the blend being white varieties. This wine has been reliably good year after year. – Dave McIntyre”
– Washington Post (January 2020), EXCELLENT, GREAT VALUE

2018 Blend: 38.5% Grenache, 30.5% Grenache Blanc, 12.5% Carignane, 10% Cinsaut 6% Mourvèdre, 2% Picpoul, 0.5% Vermentino

Production: 18,000 cases

Pairings: This wine just begs for oysters or stone crab.