Beautiful wine. Peak age in 2024. Likely to start going downhill soon but should have a few good years left. Nice acid. Balanced dark fruit. Good food wine. Paired with beef stew. Decanted 1 hour bit pro would do well with 20 or 30. Less than that and it was a bit soft and closed.
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Drank over three days. Agree with DAVEYK39 on this. PNP the first day. Nose and palate for me was a bit too much oak at first, but that gives way to the fruit after a long decant. I found the tannin lively on day one and less so on day two and three, upon which the creamy texture and fruit dominated. I think this will last another year or so and improve, although certainly worth drinking today at current prices, particularly after a night or two of air.
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Wasn't sure what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. PNP. Medium garnet color. Aromas of compost, charcoal, truffle, bell pepper, dried strawberry and rhubarb. While the fruit is subdued on the nose, it's vibrant on the palate, accented by truffle and earthy notes and supported by polished tannins. Creamy texture, medium-bodied, developed and mature.
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1/4. Medium ruby color with some transparency. Smells a little grapey like a young wine, with some plum, red apple, blueberry, licorice, leather, anise, and dry spices. Medium body, acid, and finish, with flavors of black cherry, plum, blueberry, vanilla, orange peel, and spice. This is a balanced effort, clearly new world in constitution, but not terribly obnoxiously so. Perfect with our homemade steak burritos.
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Quite good. I'm typically disappointed with the depth of these Chateau Neuf De Pape blend California wines. Bitter Cherry, Red fruits brightly on the front. long soft finish. I changed the score after 15 mins. , as the wine just got better.
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Leather, berry, fine dirt,with a hint of eucalyptus on the nose. Blueberry preserves, blackberries, and cassis fruit. Well balanced fruit/acidity. Long lingering finish
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PnP. Like others, I bought at the going away sale and this half-bottle is well worth what I paid. Red fruit (the Cinsault makes its presence known), light tannins, along with a little spice and brightness all make for a very enjoyable pour. Should have bought more.
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Hadn't had a bottle of Le Cigare for years and it was like hugging an old friend. Lovely, integrated flavors that supported the 14.5% alcohol. But then this is one of the original and most respectful of the California CDP acolytes. Damn shame he's calling it quits on this wine because it's still worth seeking out.
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Overall, I have yet to be impressed by a Bonny Doon wine. And fair warning, I only bought (2 cases, several being magnums) because of their very enticing sale a few months ago. It's not that they are lousy. Rather, I don't see a compelling reason to drink them. I just consumed a half bottle of this wine over 3 hours, and it had some simple charm, red fruit, subtle and rustic funk. I do enjoy older wines, and there is the catch 22. There are so many wines that I don't think will do well in their old age - including this wine. But you don't know until they have reached old age. I would not bet money that this wine will age well, but I can not say it won't. What to do???? My cellar only holds so many bottles, therefore Bonny Doon won't be sitting there for long. Sorry if this is harsh.
Drunk from a half bottle, in the middle of a mild New York winter - popped and poured at room temperature (mid-teens Celsius). Purchased for $9 in the sale prior to Randall Grahm's disposal of Bonny Doon.
Garnet colored, light/medium viscosity. On the nose, fruit forward, primarily blackberry and black currant, hint of light oak toast, with some spicy black pepper and olive notes.
Medium bodied, fairly smooth with nice sap, just a hint of tannins and decent acidity. Slightly short finish lowers the score a wee tad.
This wine is drinking well now - think I preferred the 2012, but the 2013 is an excellent QPR nonetheless. Only wish I'd bought it for $5 like WineAggregate did!
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$9 for a half bottle in a recent Bonny Doon sale, and worth every penny plus more. Fresh red fruit, a little spice, earthy/leathery tones make it very much an even more fruit forward, California take on a classic Chateauneuf blend. Under screw cap, this could develop very well over time.
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I picked up this 375ml bottle at the tasting room on the Santa Cruz coast and should have picked up a case. But I was suspicious of the seemingly fire-sale $5 price tag. Turns out this is a beautifully balanced wine at its peak, true to its Rhone heritage.
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Tasty stuff, and getting to a good place. Funky meats over a core of fresh blackberries and some herbal notes, not hot at all at 14.5% and feels a bit lower to my usually alcohol-sensitive palate. Tannins still holding on. Riper tasting, but still balanced on day 3. Drink now and over the next few years.
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I think the pros nailed the score here. Not decanted, from a 375ml. This reminded me immediately of the style of Rotie Cellars out of Washington. Peppery and juicy with bright pie cherry and plum skin flavors and aromas. Good supporting acid. Glad the WB folks pointed out the silly sale at Bonny Doon, as this little gem was $9.
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Nose - clean, youthful, very cherry. Ripe sweet/sour cherry sucking candy. Medium plus. Eye burn. An herbaceous quality to it but it could be what’s going on in my kitchen.
Palate - very flavorful. Fruit, ripe red fruit. Cherry. Raspberry, some stemminess. Oaky tingliness on palate. Cedar closet. Black pepper. Tannins are medium. Alcohol feels on the higher side. Medium plus body. Finish is medium plus. Acidity is medium. I’m guessing it might come together as it ages. What is missing....I can’t find that earthy savory quality on the palate.
Definitely drinkable. Just doesn’t taste all together in that integrated way.
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Had it last night at outside BBQ with Hamburgers and hotdogs etc. Didn’t show or standout particularly well. Wine felt heavy on palate with high alcohol. It had a chance to air before serving. Gamey notes. It may be more enjoyable in cooler weather. Last night I preferred lighter bodied and more fruity wines, rose felt perfect.
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55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsaut from Central Coast vineyards: 38% Rancho Solo, 21% Bien Nacido 18% Ventana, 17% Del Barba, 4% Bechtold, 2% Alta Loma INGREDIENTS (Bonny Doon took lead in ingredients labeling in 2007): "Grapes, sulfur, and tartaric acid. In the winemaking process, the following were utilized: indigenous yeast, yeast nutrients, and French oak chips, and copper sulfate." 14.5% Abv. The 30th Anniversary release: 2,400 cases Proprietor/Winemaker: Randall Grahm
A(ccuray)=2: Deep ruby. Spicy, gamey Rhone blend. B(alance)=2: Robust components with adequate acid structure. C(omplexity)=2: Dark berries, pepper, savory meatiness. D(epth)=2: Round mouthfeel. Full palate and finish.
Wine Tally Score [2,2,2,2]= 8/10
Robust elegance.
For story-telling label graphics, see: [https://www.facebook.com/WineTally/] [https://www.instagram.com/WineTally/] For video explanation (in 8 languages), see Wine Tally on [https://www.youtube.com]
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Update - let it air. Completely different experience.
Lush ripe fruit. Round. Balanced. Full mouth feel. Very similar to 2012. Medium plus on palate. Long finish. Tannins integrated. Higher alcohol not noticeable.
So, lovely wine. At this stage at least make sure you give it some time to air. Enjoy. ————————-
Popped and poured....its young.
Appearance - clear medium ruby. Lovely vibrant color.
Nose - I saw the prior note about letting it decant for 1.5 hrs. Perhaps there is hope but here is my review now. Wine is still a bit chilled. Nose is closed. You can eke out some red fruit. Sweet raspberry. Getting alcohol burn.
Palate - let’s see how it opens up. Flavorful, red fruits, some stemmy bitterness. Medium flavor intensity. Noticeable tannins especially on finish. Body is medium. Finish is on the medium plus side. Alcohol feels on medium plus side. Listed as 14.5. Getting red fruit and some green vegetable notes.
It’s a young wine. I really enjoyed the 2012s. I’ll revise my review as it gets air. If warranted. I will say, the mouth is opening up and rounding out. Nose becoming more pronounced in a delicious way. Out of the gate....eh.
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This has a great nose of Provençal herbs and pomegranates that fluidly transition to a palate of ripe raspberries which carry the wine through a long finish. Lightly dusty tannins and good acidity keep this fresh.
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1/20/2024 - jchrisharris wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful wine. Peak age in 2024. Likely to start going downhill soon but should have a few good years left. Nice acid. Balanced dark fruit. Good food wine. Paired with beef stew. Decanted 1 hour bit pro would do well with 20 or 30. Less than that and it was a bit soft and closed.
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9/8/2023 - affordableCollector wrote: 91 Points
blend: 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsaut
garnet, brick, in color.
blackberry, currant, cherry, raspberry, black peppercorn, spicy, gamy meats, tar, licorice, coffee, leather. shredded beef jerky, crushed black pepper, smoldering log, saline, on a lasting finish.
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6/3/2023 - soumamae wrote: 95 Points
So lovely with this bottle age, after 1h decant.
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5/6/2023 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking very well.
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4/1/2023 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 90 Points
A little sweet, but great Rhone flavors. Drinking well now, but will last for a while longer.
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3/11/2023 - DavidWong168 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Has that Northern Rhone funk on the nose, in a good way. Voluptuous cherry and raspberry, lots of personality, and a memorably long finish.
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2/23/2023 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking very well - maturing nicely, typical Cigare Volant flavors, mixing Rhone and California. Great now, but will keep going for a few more years.
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12/26/2022 - OzDude Likes this wine: 92 Points
great wine - drinking well. Enjoyed with roast pork
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4/11/2022 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking well. Rounded Rhône flavors, with a good tannic backbone still. Has a few more years to go.
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4/8/2022 - ChristoBretts Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drank over three days. Agree with DAVEYK39 on this. PNP the first day. Nose and palate for me was a bit too much oak at first, but that gives way to the fruit after a long decant. I found the tannin lively on day one and less so on day two and three, upon which the creamy texture and fruit dominated. I think this will last another year or so and improve, although certainly worth drinking today at current prices, particularly after a night or two of air.
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4/1/2022 - daveyk39 wrote: 92 Points
Wasn't sure what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. PNP. Medium garnet color. Aromas of compost, charcoal, truffle, bell pepper, dried strawberry and rhubarb. While the fruit is subdued on the nose, it's vibrant on the palate, accented by truffle and earthy notes and supported by polished tannins. Creamy texture, medium-bodied, developed and mature.
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2/25/2022 - Agbell Likes this wine:
Opened a magnum, it was a winner with our group. Got some berry, pepper, not super high acid but enough.
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10/6/2020 - studleytrey wrote: 88 Points
1/4. Medium ruby color with some transparency. Smells a little grapey like a young wine, with some plum, red apple, blueberry, licorice, leather, anise, and dry spices. Medium body, acid, and finish, with flavors of black cherry, plum, blueberry, vanilla, orange peel, and spice. This is a balanced effort, clearly new world in constitution, but not terribly obnoxiously so. Perfect with our homemade steak burritos.
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8/6/2020 - Ducktowatercook Likes this wine: 90 Points
Quite good. I'm typically disappointed with the depth of these Chateau Neuf De Pape blend California wines. Bitter Cherry, Red fruits brightly on the front. long soft finish. I changed the score after 15 mins. , as the wine just got better.
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7/28/2020 - KaupCava Likes this wine: 93 Points
Leather, berry, fine dirt,with a hint of eucalyptus on the nose. Blueberry preserves, blackberries, and cassis fruit. Well balanced fruit/acidity. Long lingering finish
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6/6/2020 - drycreekwhine wrote: 94 Points
This was a great wine. Smooth beyond believe, yet flavor retained.
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5/30/2020 - Broch6833 Likes this wine: 90 Points
PnP. Like others, I bought at the going away sale and this half-bottle is well worth what I paid. Red fruit (the Cinsault makes its presence known), light tannins, along with a little spice and brightness all make for a very enjoyable pour. Should have bought more.
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5/6/2020 - Trickyone Likes this wine:
Hadn't had a bottle of Le Cigare for years and it was like hugging an old friend. Lovely, integrated flavors that supported the 14.5% alcohol. But then this is one of the original and most respectful of the California CDP acolytes. Damn shame he's calling it quits on this wine because it's still worth seeking out.
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3/19/2020 - DOCGLO Likes this wine: 94 Points
Peppery palate with well integrated fruit and tannins. Another home run from Bonny Doon.
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3/11/2020 - galewskj wrote: 89 Points
Overall, I have yet to be impressed by a Bonny Doon wine. And fair warning, I only bought (2 cases, several being magnums) because of their very enticing sale a few months ago. It's not that they are lousy. Rather, I don't see a compelling reason to drink them. I just consumed a half bottle of this wine over 3 hours, and it had some simple charm, red fruit, subtle and rustic funk. I do enjoy older wines, and there is the catch 22. There are so many wines that I don't think will do well in their old age - including this wine. But you don't know until they have reached old age. I would not bet money that this wine will age well, but I can not say it won't. What to do???? My cellar only holds so many bottles, therefore Bonny Doon won't be sitting there for long. Sorry if this is harsh.
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1/29/2020 - jchua123 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drunk from a half bottle, in the middle of a mild New York winter - popped and poured at room temperature (mid-teens Celsius). Purchased for $9 in the sale prior to Randall Grahm's disposal of Bonny Doon.
Garnet colored, light/medium viscosity. On the nose, fruit forward, primarily blackberry and black currant, hint of light oak toast, with some spicy black pepper and olive notes.
Medium bodied, fairly smooth with nice sap, just a hint of tannins and decent acidity. Slightly short finish lowers the score a wee tad.
This wine is drinking well now - think I preferred the 2012, but the 2013 is an excellent QPR nonetheless. Only wish I'd bought it for $5 like WineAggregate did!
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1/8/2020 - Rieslingfan wrote:
$9 for a half bottle in a recent Bonny Doon sale, and worth every penny plus more. Fresh red fruit, a little spice, earthy/leathery tones make it very much an even more fruit forward, California take on a classic Chateauneuf blend. Under screw cap, this could develop very well over time.
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12/10/2019 - WineAggregate Likes this wine: 91 Points
I picked up this 375ml bottle at the tasting room on the Santa Cruz coast and should have picked up a case. But I was suspicious of the seemingly fire-sale $5 price tag. Turns out this is a beautifully balanced wine at its peak, true to its Rhone heritage.
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11/29/2019 - willschenk Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tasty stuff, and getting to a good place. Funky meats over a core of fresh blackberries and some herbal notes, not hot at all at 14.5% and feels a bit lower to my usually alcohol-sensitive palate. Tannins still holding on. Riper tasting, but still balanced on day 3. Drink now and over the next few years.
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11/6/2019 - BRR Likes this wine: 90 Points
I think the pros nailed the score here. Not decanted, from a 375ml. This reminded me immediately of the style of Rotie Cellars out of Washington. Peppery and juicy with bright pie cherry and plum skin flavors and aromas. Good supporting acid. Glad the WB folks pointed out the silly sale at Bonny Doon, as this little gem was $9.
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10/14/2019 - Ellen5181 Likes this wine: 85 Points
Appearance - clear, medium ruby.
Nose - clean, youthful, very cherry. Ripe sweet/sour cherry sucking candy. Medium plus. Eye burn. An herbaceous quality to it but it could be what’s going on in my kitchen.
Palate - very flavorful. Fruit, ripe red fruit. Cherry. Raspberry, some stemminess. Oaky tingliness on palate. Cedar closet. Black pepper. Tannins are medium. Alcohol feels on the higher side. Medium plus body. Finish is medium plus. Acidity is medium. I’m guessing it might come together as it ages. What is missing....I can’t find that earthy savory quality on the palate.
Definitely drinkable. Just doesn’t taste all together in that integrated way.
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7/5/2019 - Ellen5181 wrote:
Had it last night at outside BBQ with Hamburgers and hotdogs etc. Didn’t show or standout particularly well. Wine felt heavy on palate with high alcohol. It had a chance to air before serving. Gamey notes. It may be more enjoyable in cooler weather. Last night I preferred lighter bodied and more fruity wines, rose felt perfect.
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7/3/2019 - WineTally Likes this wine:
55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsaut
from Central Coast vineyards:
38% Rancho Solo, 21% Bien Nacido
18% Ventana, 17% Del Barba,
4% Bechtold, 2% Alta Loma
INGREDIENTS (Bonny Doon took lead in ingredients labeling in 2007):
"Grapes, sulfur, and tartaric acid. In the winemaking
process, the following were utilized: indigenous yeast, yeast
nutrients, and French oak chips, and copper sulfate."
14.5% Abv. The 30th Anniversary release: 2,400 cases
Proprietor/Winemaker: Randall Grahm
A(ccuray)=2: Deep ruby. Spicy, gamey Rhone blend.
B(alance)=2: Robust components with adequate acid structure.
C(omplexity)=2: Dark berries, pepper, savory meatiness.
D(epth)=2: Round mouthfeel. Full palate and finish.
Wine Tally Score [2,2,2,2]= 8/10
Robust elegance.
For story-telling label graphics, see:
[https://www.facebook.com/WineTally/]
[https://www.instagram.com/WineTally/]
For video explanation (in 8 languages), see
Wine Tally on [https://www.youtube.com]
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5/23/2019 - Ellen5181 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Update - let it air. Completely different experience.
Lush ripe fruit. Round. Balanced. Full mouth feel. Very similar to 2012. Medium plus on palate. Long finish. Tannins integrated. Higher alcohol not noticeable.
So, lovely wine. At this stage at least make sure you give it some time to air. Enjoy.
————————-
Popped and poured....its young.
Appearance - clear medium ruby. Lovely vibrant color.
Nose - I saw the prior note about letting it decant for 1.5 hrs. Perhaps there is hope but here is my review now. Wine is still a bit chilled. Nose is closed. You can eke out some red fruit. Sweet raspberry. Getting alcohol burn.
Palate - let’s see how it opens up. Flavorful, red fruits, some stemmy bitterness. Medium flavor intensity. Noticeable tannins especially on finish. Body is medium. Finish is on the medium plus side. Alcohol feels on medium plus side. Listed as 14.5. Getting red fruit and some green vegetable notes.
It’s a young wine. I really enjoyed the 2012s. I’ll revise my review as it gets air. If warranted. I will say, the mouth is opening up and rounding out. Nose becoming more pronounced in a delicious way. Out of the gate....eh.
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1/27/2019 - Mjurgaitis Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened up nicely after 1 1/2 hour decant.
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1/12/2019 - poppacork Likes this wine: 92 Points
This has a great nose of Provençal herbs and pomegranates that fluidly transition to a palate of ripe raspberries which carry the wine through a long finish. Lightly dusty tannins and good acidity keep this fresh.
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