Wines
Bonny Doon Vineyard
Some Background:
Bonny Doon is a census-designated place, approximately 16 square miles big, in Santa Cruz County, California, USA, Earth. Within that place is Bonny Doon Vineyard. And, within Bonny Doon Vineyard is Randall Grahm. Randall Grahm is a character to say the least. He’s best known for pioneering Rhone varietals in California and appeared on the cover of Wine Spectator in 1989 (wearing a blue polyester suit) where he was dubbed “The Rhone Ranger”, a moniker he hasn’t shaken even now at age 70. Le Cigare Volant (The Flying Cigar) was his flagship line and honestly one of my favorite things that exist in the Wide World of Weirdos in Wine. Here’s the story:
Apparently, after a lot of claims of seeing lights in the sky (what we call flying saucers, the French thought looked more like cigars) in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, in 1954 France WROTE AND PASSED LAWS forbidding UFOs from landing, taking off and flying over the Rhone Valley. And, the laws worked, you guys!
The Bonny Doon tagline has always been “Wines of Earth!” and of course, it has two meanings:
#1 uhhh we’re on Earth.
#2 Randall, since 1983. has hyper-fixated on organic, biodynamic, terroir-driven winemaking and farming practices. Ya know, earth (or “dirt” to some).
Bonny Doon Vineyard Picpoul- $14.99/btl $2.50/taste
Picpoul directly translates to “lip stinger” and it a beloved grape of Southern Rhone, predominately Pinet, but planted elsewhere also, including Central California! This is a crisply acidic wine with savory, herbaceous notes complimenting the fresh, fruity aroma.
Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant Rouge- $14.99/btl $2.50/taste
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Petite Sirah crafted from Central Coast vines ranging in age from 10-35 years. This is a more fruit, less wood expression, ya know, like the Rhone Valley wines we all love!
BOEN Pinot Noir- $19.99/btl $2.50/taste
From the maker (and the seller of) Meomi, Joseph Wagner is BOEN. After the non-compete clause was up after selling Meomi, he’s back at it. Joseph’s thing with Pinot is the rule of three. So, this is a blend of 100% Pinot Noir from 3 different regions in California: Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Babara. There is a textured richness to this wine. Baking spices, almost a stewed plum essence, coupled with rich berry components.
Clay Shannon “The David” Red Blend- $19.99/btl $2.50/taste
Named after Clay’s late grandfather, “The David” is a showcase for his family’s Lake County home-vineyard showstopper, Cabernet Franc. It’s blended with estate Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah to give the richness it so justly deserves! Coffee, cocao, sage and ripe fruit. Award winning!