Quite dense, concentrated appearance with deep yellow color. Not really that expressive nose, but instead with lots of depth an complexity: there are aromas of honeydew melon, dried peach, pear peel, some exotic spice, a little perfumed florals and a hint of acetone. Very elegant and attractive bouquet, to be honest. The nose really doesn't prepare for the palate that is extremely full-bodied, concentrated and intense. There are very powerful flavors of apricot, apple puree, Asian spices, some saline minerality, a little dried pineapple and a hint of vanilla. Though the flavors and high-ish alcohol (14,5%) suggest sweetness, the overall impression is still very dry and even surprisingly structured with pretty high acidity. The mouthfeel is almost chewy and a bit oily. The finish is very persistent with an intense aftertaste of peach, lychee, sweet exotic spices, some bitter minerality and a hint of alcohol warmth.
Holy moly! This is a monolithic super-wine going on full blast - yet it is not an overdone one! Though this wine is humongous by any standards, it shows remarkable purity, balance and lovely, mouth-cleansing minerality! Usually both Southern Rhône whites as California whites tend to be flabby monster wines, but this one - combining both of these characteristics - is surprisingly structured and bright! Definitely a food wine for powerful dishes. Although I normally prefer lithe white wines with elegance and poise, I am blown away by this wine. Probably better than any of the white Châteauneuf-du-Papes I've ever tasted. Just wow. A glass of this was 11,10€ and it was definitely worth it. Highly recommended.
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Peach, apricot and some alcohol notes on the nose. The palate is full bodied and has good weight and depth but it was just a bit too full on for me this time around.
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Pear and citrus, with light smoke. Texturally the palate is good, there is crispness but fruit weight as well. Better consumed with food than on its own. Cleaner than the 09 Reserve, but not as interesting.
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Bonny Doon Vineyard Masterclass (Fix St. James, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney): Nose medium intensity, very stone fruit - peach...almost lychee infact, slight heat, apricot and touches of bonfire Mouth spices...phenolic front of mouth grip, stone fruit...but a bit simple and a touch warm. Having said that the acid lends freshness to the fruit and the texture is waxy, notwithstanding no lees time. Good.
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3/27/2024 - acorelli Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still good. My last note was from 2016, and I don’t think the wine has changed much in 8 years.
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4/3/2018 - finewinebuff57 wrote: 90 Points
Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. This is tremendously fresh and youthful. The best is yet to come. Excellent wine making!
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6/4/2016 - acorelli Likes this wine: 90 Points
Always interesting. I have had 11 year old Cigare Blanc that was fabulous so going to hold other bottles for awhile still.
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12/14/2014 - forceberry wrote: 94 Points
Quite dense, concentrated appearance with deep yellow color. Not really that expressive nose, but instead with lots of depth an complexity: there are aromas of honeydew melon, dried peach, pear peel, some exotic spice, a little perfumed florals and a hint of acetone. Very elegant and attractive bouquet, to be honest. The nose really doesn't prepare for the palate that is extremely full-bodied, concentrated and intense. There are very powerful flavors of apricot, apple puree, Asian spices, some saline minerality, a little dried pineapple and a hint of vanilla. Though the flavors and high-ish alcohol (14,5%) suggest sweetness, the overall impression is still very dry and even surprisingly structured with pretty high acidity. The mouthfeel is almost chewy and a bit oily. The finish is very persistent with an intense aftertaste of peach, lychee, sweet exotic spices, some bitter minerality and a hint of alcohol warmth.
Holy moly! This is a monolithic super-wine going on full blast - yet it is not an overdone one! Though this wine is humongous by any standards, it shows remarkable purity, balance and lovely, mouth-cleansing minerality! Usually both Southern Rhône whites as California whites tend to be flabby monster wines, but this one - combining both of these characteristics - is surprisingly structured and bright! Definitely a food wine for powerful dishes. Although I normally prefer lithe white wines with elegance and poise, I am blown away by this wine. Probably better than any of the white Châteauneuf-du-Papes I've ever tasted. Just wow. A glass of this was 11,10€ and it was definitely worth it. Highly recommended.
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8/1/2014 - mdscott wrote: 88 Points
Supporting daughter prepping son for bing camp
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1/18/2013 - CamWheeler wrote: 87 Points
Peach, apricot and some alcohol notes on the nose. The palate is full bodied and has good weight and depth but it was just a bit too full on for me this time around.
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1/18/2013 - fizz wrote: 88 Points
SLDS (Rocket Restaurant - Chatswood): Full on. Tastes rich, creamy and alcoholic. 14.5% A/V. Volume is full blast on this wine. Needs food.
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3/29/2012 - CamWheeler wrote: 88 Points
Pear and citrus, with light smoke. Texturally the palate is good, there is crispness but fruit weight as well. Better consumed with food than on its own. Cleaner than the 09 Reserve, but not as interesting.
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3/10/2012 - AlexGarner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Stars of the Melbourne Wine and Food Festival (Prince Wine Store - Bank Street): The wine opens with rich citrus elements and a broad pear and peach follows. The palette is quite chewy and textural with spicy acidity and a floral finish. I'd love to match this with some food, maybe some pork?
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3/8/2012 - chatters wrote:
Bonny Doon Vineyard Masterclass (Fix St. James, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney): Nose medium intensity, very stone fruit - peach...almost lychee infact, slight heat, apricot and touches of bonfire
Mouth spices...phenolic front of mouth grip, stone fruit...but a bit simple and a touch warm. Having said that the acid lends freshness to the fruit and the texture is waxy, notwithstanding no lees time. Good.
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6/18/2011 - oaklandwinelover Likes this wine: 89 Points
excellent balance with asian pear and citrus notes. perfect food wine
grenache blanc and rousanne blend
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6/10/2011 - SJchris wrote:
09 Cigare Blanc goes good with lamb kabobs.
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