Vin Gris de Cigare 2018

BONNY DOON VINEYARD

Vin Gris de Cigare
2018

Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Santa Cruz, Central Coast
Varietal(s)
Grenache 39 %
Grenache Blanc 31 %
Carignan 13 %
Cinsault 10 %
Mourvèdre 6 %
Alcohol percentage
13.5%
Colour
Rose
Sugar
Dry
Total acidity
5.5 g/l
PH
3.33
Producer's website

About this winery

Founded in 1983 by Randall Grahm, Bonny Doon Vineyard is located in Santa Cruz, California. Randall is one of the first California winemakers have adopted the Rhone varietals, which earned him the nickname "The Rhone Ranger." Grahm is a leader in biodynamic agriculture. In addressing the issue of abandonment of brands and model of production based traders cellars, he told the New York Times, "We must act in accordance with his own words. Produce wine from purchased grapes is less risky, but you...

See the BONNY DOON VINEYARD detail page for more information on this brand

Production notes

The Grenache for our Vin Gris came from bespoke sections of the Alta Loma Vineyard, harvested at the appropriate maturity level for this elegant style of wine. About 24% of the wine is composed of traditional white Rhône varieties in substantial part from the Beeswax Vineyard in the Arroyo Seco district of Monterey, adding a surprising richness and foundation. We also employed the practice of postfermentation bâtonnage—the stirring or re-suspension of yeast lees—to give the wine a certain creaminess of texture.

Tasting notes

Our Vin Gris, a Provençal-styled pink, is a rather pale salmon color, owing to the fact that it is made from the lightest pressing of bespoke grapes, harvested at the appropriate maturity, i.e. not quite as ripe as those picked to produce a red wine. There is a lovely chalky/smoky gunpowder tea aspect to the nose, with a suggestion of bergamot, wild strawberry and maybe even a delicate trace of wintergreen. The fragrance is discreet and above all, elegant. On the palate, the wine has a sleek, salty, savory, mouth-watering aspect and a refreshing acidity. There is a wonderful persistent finish, making this one of the most food-friendly wines conceivable.

Press reviews

Vinous

- 91 points -

Josh Raynolds, August 2019 (Vintage 2018)

Extremely pale pink. Incisive red berry and citrus pith qualities on the nose, along with suave floral, spice and mineral flourishes. Lithe and sharply focused on the palate, offering tangy strawberry, red currant and orange zest flavors and a touch of honeysuckle. Finishes dry and taut, with resonating florality and persistent red berry and mineral notes. This wine's blend of depth and finesse is pretty impressive, especially in light of its price.

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Vinous

- 90 points -

Josh Raynolds, May 2021 (Vintage 2020)

Light, shimmering orange. Fresh red berry and citrus fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied rose and pungent herbs. Silky and open-knit, showing good depth to the raspberry, cherry and bitter orange pith flavors. Tightens up slowly on a long, spice-inflected finish that leaves a gently sweet red fruit note behind.

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