Bonny Doon Le Cigare Blanc 2005

From what far-flung, telic appellation might be dispatched a white cigar? Le Cigare Blanc is the white analogue of Le Cigare Volant, Bonny Doon's homage to the complex blended wines of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

This seasonal outing is based (60%) on the Roussane variety. This mysteriously subtle grape combines stone and mineral notes within a package surprisingly full of ripe orchard fruit. Grenache Blanc at 40% volume adds its own bright refreshing character, nearly merging this cuvee into the fast lane of snappiness, before the Rousanne takes charge, pulling stylishly over to the right and settling down for a seductively long ride.