In 1954, the town council of Châteauneuf-du-Pape passed one of the world’s most unusual laws—banning UFOs from landing in its vineyards. Yes, really. This whimsical bit of French legal history inspired Randall Grahm to name his flagship wine Le Cigare Volant (“The Flying Cigar”), a nod to both the absurdity of the ordinance and his deep love for Rhône-style blends. Yes, the law still exists today, and is working because no UFOs have landed in the vineyards as of today
2023 Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant....$13.99
69% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 14% Cinsault, 2% Petite Sirah
The ’23 Cigare is expressive. Wild strawberry, rhubarb, black pepper, and tobacco make this an easy-drinking, elegant choice.
Winemaker Notes: “The fruit is carefully selected to ensure its full potential of ripeness with balanced chemistry, and as usual for Cigare, Grenache is the star of the show. As we all know, Grenache grown in relatively cool sites in coastal California has a growing season long enough for it to create the spicy, peppery quality that we love so much and expect to taste in Cigare. We included, as is our wont, some wonderful Cinsault, a rather plump and juicy grape, which was signee to a fare-thee0well, to increase the concentration of this lightly colored and structured grape. The wine was aged in stainless steel tank and bottled ten months after harvest to preserve freshness and vibrancy.” -Randall Grahm (Director of Winemaking/Founder)
Winemaker Notes: “The fruit is carefully selected to ensure its full potential of ripeness with balanced chemistry, and as usual for Cigare, Grenache is the star of the show. As we all know, Grenache grown in relatively cool sites in coastal California has a growing season long enough for it to create the spicy, peppery quality that we love so much and expect to taste in Cigare. We included, as is our wont, some wonderful Cinsault, a rather plump and juicy grape, which was signee to a fare-thee0well, to increase the concentration of this lightly colored and structured grape. The wine was aged in stainless steel tank and bottled ten months after harvest to preserve freshness and vibrancy.” -Randall Grahm (Director of Winemaking/Founder)
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