Bonny Doon Cigare Blanc

While Bonny Doon Vineyard began with the (in retrospect) foolish attempt to replicate Burgundy in California, Randall Grahm realized early on that he would have far more success creating more distinctive and original wines working with Rhône varieties in the Central Coast of California. The key learning here (achieved somewhat accidentally but fortuitously) was that in a warm, Mediterranean climate, it is usually blended wines that are most successful.

From the winemaker - 'With this vintage we’ve gone a little heavier on the Vermentino bit and the results are spectacular: There is the delicate suggestion of white flowers and of course the quality that Vermentino brings, which the French call balsamique (or resinous). But what really stands out is the absolutely intense pear-like fragrance (and of course) the wine’s exemplary length and persistence'.