This is a comfort wine for me. I learned to drink wine with Bonny Doon wines. In college, I dated a fellow student who was a wine fan. We found a wine shop in Baltimore that was friendly to young people. I think that they were charmed that a couple in their early 20s (just a slight exaggeration) were buying wine and not kegs or cheap vodka. Our budget was fairly limited, but we were happy to explore whatever the salesman suggested. I still remember the stress of spending $50, a fortune on a student's budget for a birthday bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape. But it was Bonny Doon with its lower price point and fun blends that we returned to again and again.
When we eventually moved to California, it was the first winery we visited. When we got married, we served a Bonny Doon wine at our wedding. (I suppose I should follow that with a Bonny Doon wine being the first wine I had post-divorce, but I think it was a french rose. ) It is true though that I was delighted when I heard that I would be working on Randall Grahm's book, Been Doon So Long. Here's a link to our book page: http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/11286.php
and a link to the site that Bonny Doon has done for the book: http://www.beendoonsolong.com/
Anyway, Cigare Volant has always been a favorite. It probably led to my love of rhone grapes. The 2004 is lovely right now. The blend is 38% grenache, 35% syrah, 12% mourvedre, 8% carignane and 7% cinsault, with 13.5% alcohol. It would pair beautifully with food, but I must admit I am drinking a glass while blogging.
Love Cigare Volant, love Bonny Doon. I came to them later in life, though, so you should thank your stars you've had the pleasure of a longer acquaintance. Try the '05 Cigare Volant; it's meaty and juicy. And while you're at it, try a Cigare Blanc, too, if you're not familiar with it. Randall just wrote about both of the Cigares on his book site (see http://www.beendoonsolong.com) - this gave me a new appreciate of what he's striving for. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions. I have tried them. The advantage of Dewn. I was reminded that Max also had BD wines at his wedding. Anyone else?
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