Bonny Doon Vineyard
Le Cigare Volant Red Rhone Blend
California, USA
See previous note 71 weeks ago. Barely medium weight but a good rendition of a new world Rhone blend. A nice little note of tar (char) after the sweet red fruit on the mid palate - Grenache based blend with Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Very savoury at the finish. A very easy wine to drink - great QPR.
See previous note 71 weeks ago. Barely medium weight but a good rendition of a new world Rhone blend. A nice little note of tar (char) after the sweet red fruit on the mid palate - Grenache based blend with Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Very savoury at the finish. A very easy wine to drink - great QPR.
Sep 5th, 2024
65/18/15/2 blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Petite Sirah. Some wood and red fruit in nose. Raspberry and blackberry in mouth, slightly bitter finish, good value. Decant two hours, it integrates better but remains a bit tart.
65/18/15/2 blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Petite Sirah. Some wood and red fruit in nose. Raspberry and blackberry in mouth, slightly bitter finish, good value. Decant two hours, it integrates better but remains a bit tart.
Apr 19th, 2024
Really nice for current drinking. Spicy berry fruit, intense chaparral herbs, and beef jerky on the nose. Palate is super soft and flowing, with loads of savory, iodine-tinged minerally notes overlaying dark berry fruit. Loads of flavor without loads of weight. Very much reminiscent of an old-timey Cotes-du-Rhône (pre-global warming/Philippe Cambie). Good value too about $21.
Really nice for current drinking. Spicy berry fruit, intense chaparral herbs, and beef jerky on the nose. Palate is super soft and flowing, with loads of savory, iodine-tinged minerally notes overlaying dark berry fruit. Loads of flavor without loads of weight. Very much reminiscent of an old-timey Cotes-du-Rhône (pre-global warming/Philippe Cambie). Good value too about $21.
Dec 28th, 2023
Actually 85…great in Burg etc but unknown down by BD….this is why God allows us to enjoy a flying saucer? Back then a GSM blend by a legendary winemaker…just allowing nature and good aging to show me one of the most interesting wines I’ve had this year…still learning! Wow.
Actually 85…great in Burg etc but unknown down by BD….this is why God allows us to enjoy a flying saucer? Back then a GSM blend by a legendary winemaker…just allowing nature and good aging to show me one of the most interesting wines I’ve had this year…still learning! Wow.
Dec 21st, 2023Very savoury - dried meat aromas and on the medium minus weight palate. A good new World interpretation of a Southern Rhone CdP style although lacking mid palate fruit. A friend of mine here in Toowoomba had a bottle of this on Sunday at his place with a mate and made the mistake of opening it after a 1998 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon. Predictably the Penfolds overpowered it and should’ve been served as the 2nd wine. The Bonny Doon Is Grenache dominant with Cinsault and Syrah.
Very savoury - dried meat aromas and on the medium minus weight palate. A good new World interpretation of a Southern Rhone CdP style although lacking mid palate fruit. A friend of mine here in Toowoomba had a bottle of this on Sunday at his place with a mate and made the mistake of opening it after a 1998 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon. Predictably the Penfolds overpowered it and should’ve been served as the 2nd wine. The Bonny Doon Is Grenache dominant with Cinsault and Syrah.
Apr 27th, 2023
Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, currant, blackberry and oak. Medium-bodied and soft tannins.
Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, currant, blackberry and oak. Medium-bodied and soft tannins.
Dec 28th, 2022
True test: three days open, still great. WOTY including price. Will buy more. Nice surprise.
True test: three days open, still great. WOTY including price. Will buy more. Nice surprise.
Dec 23rd, 2022One of the best vintages of this!
One of the best vintages of this!
Dec 17th, 2022
9 years in and still fresh and bright. Any hard edges are gone. Not much tannic structure, but earthiness provides a good foundation.
9 years in and still fresh and bright. Any hard edges are gone. Not much tannic structure, but earthiness provides a good foundation.
May 12th, 2022
Pure red fruits. Fruit forward without being jammy. Well balanced easy drinking.
Pure red fruits. Fruit forward without being jammy. Well balanced easy drinking.
Jan 17th, 2022