I well remember the first time I had a glass of Le Cigare Volant—many moons ago in the Bay View Hotel’s restaurant in Aptos. Waiting for friends who were half an hour late, my irritation melted away as I sipped on a glass of this luscious red wine made by Bonny Doon Vineyard’s avant-garde winemaker Randall Grahm. Sitting in the atrium part of the restaurant as the sun was going down, I had time to absorb the wine’s intricate nuances. And Grahm continues to produce his simply fabulous Cigare Volant—the 2011 being no exception.
Five of us gathered for dinner in Sanderlings Restaurant at Seascape Beach Resort and ordered Le Cigare Volant “Red Wine of the Earth” ($40). One of my British friends, who has a business in the center of London, immediately recognized the wine as one he enjoys at his home in England. Kudos to Grahm for exporting his elixirs far and wide and being globally recognized.
“No woofer this wine,” it says on the label of the 2011 Cigare Volant, “we feel that it is quite a stellar accomplishment.” And once you have tasted this delicious blend of 37 percent Mourvedre, 34 percent Grenache, 20 percent Syrah, and 9 percent Cinsault, I think you will agree.
I can only suggest that you head to Bonny Doon’s tasting room in the lovely town of Davenport to try Le Cigare Volant—and all the rest of Grahm’s edgy wines.
Bonny Doon Vineyard, 450 Hwy. 1, Davenport, 471-8031. bonnydoonvineyard.com
Young at Heart Project
Discretion Brewing is always a lively spot to visit, and the food is excellent. I stopped by recently for a couple of beers, since 20 percent of all beer sales that day were going to the Young at Heart Project. I’d never heard of the YAHP until a friend, who had just joined the board, invited a group of people for beer and food at Discretion in Soquel. YAHP provides live professional musical performances to seniors and disabled people residing in convalescent homes. For more information or to donate, visit young-at-heart.org or call YAHP president Elizabeth Seman at 408-800-8117.
