Bonny Doon Le Cigare Blanc 2006

Blend: 75% grenache blanc, 25% roussanne

From what far-flung, telic appellation might be dispatched a white cigar? Le Cigare Blanc is the white analogue of Le Cigare Volant, our homage to the complex blended wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This seasonal outing is based (75%) on the grenache blanc variety, which contributes fresh notes of tarragon, lemongrass and spiced melon. Roussanne, a mere 25% of the cuvée, adds significant weight and a complexity of quince intermingled with Asian pear. The grenache blanc streamlines the 2006 Cigare Blanc experience - the wine is svelte, nuanced and somehow faster than usual. Initially it speeds across the palate in a racy burst, before slowing a bit, exhibiting more complexity on the mid-palate as more and more layers are revealed leading to a dazzling peacock's tail of a finish. Through a process of careful discernment, we have discovered that Cigare Blanc pairs wonderfully well with young, mild sheep's and goat's milk cheeses as well as moderately funky washed rind cheese such as a young Italian Taleggio or an aged California Red Hawk.