Region: California
Sub Region: Central Coast
Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault & Petite Sirah
Country: USA
Vintage: 2023
The Wine
Le Cigare Volant helped establish Randall Grahm and Bonny Doon as pioneers of Rhône varieties in California. Named after a famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape ordinance banning flying saucers from the local vineyards, the wine combines irreverent presentation with a serious commitment to Mediterranean grape varieties.
The 2023 is 69% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 14% Cinsault and 2% Petite Sirah. Grenache provides red fruit and generosity, Syrah contributes pepper and darker savoury notes, while Cinsault adds fragrance and lift. The small Petite Sirah component supplies colour and additional structure.
This is a fresher, more immediately drinkable Cigare rather than a dense imitation of Châteauneuf. Wild strawberry, rhubarb, redcurrant and raspberry are joined by tobacco, fennel and cracked pepper, with moderate tannin and enough acidity to keep the finish lively.
Cellared Says
Le Cigare Volant remains one of California’s great original Rhône-inspired wines. The 2023 is particularly appealing because it delivers genuine character without unnecessary weight or oak. It is interesting enough for the committed wine drinker but generous and accessible enough to open midweek. I had dinner with Randall Graham, (original winemaker) and what an utter legend he was. His stories of moving Rhone varieties into the US and doing things his way was super inspiring, with just enough craziness to make you understand the whole UFO thing. Buy it, drink it, enjoy it.
Reviews
“Fresh redcurrant aromas layered in earth and herbs… raspberry and strawberry with fennel pollen and cracked pepper.”
93 Points – Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
Region: California
Sub Region: Central Coast
Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault & Petite Sirah
Country: USA
Vintage: 2023
The Wine
Le Cigare Volant helped establish Randall Grahm and Bonny Doon as pioneers of Rhône varieties in California. Named after a famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape ordinance banning flying saucers from the local vineyards, the wine combines irreverent presentation with a serious commitment to Mediterranean grape varieties.
The 2023 is 69% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 14% Cinsault and 2% Petite Sirah. Grenache provides red fruit and generosity, Syrah contributes pepper and darker savoury notes, while Cinsault adds fragrance and lift. The small Petite Sirah component supplies colour and additional structure.
This is a fresher, more immediately drinkable Cigare rather than a dense imitation of Châteauneuf. Wild strawberry, rhubarb, redcurrant and raspberry are joined by tobacco, fennel and cracked pepper, with moderate tannin and enough acidity to keep the finish lively.
Cellared Says
Le Cigare Volant remains one of California’s great original Rhône-inspired wines. The 2023 is particularly appealing because it delivers genuine character without unnecessary weight or oak. It is interesting enough for the committed wine drinker but generous and accessible enough to open midweek. I had dinner with Randall Graham, (original winemaker) and what an utter legend he was. His stories of moving Rhone varieties into the US and doing things his way was super inspiring, with just enough craziness to make you understand the whole UFO thing. Buy it, drink it, enjoy it.
Reviews
“Fresh redcurrant aromas layered in earth and herbs… raspberry and strawberry with fennel pollen and cracked pepper.”
93 Points – Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
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