Winemaker Notes
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.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
The largest and perhaps most varied of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces a good majority of the state's wine. This vast California wine district stretches from San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara along the coast, and reaches inland nearly all the way to the Central Valley.
Encompassing an extremely diverse array of climates, soil types and wine styles, it contains many smaller sub-AVAs, including San Francisco Bay, Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
While the Central Coast California wine region could probably support almost any major grape varietiy, it is famous for a few Central Coast reds and whites. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are among the major ones. The Central Coast is home to many of the state's small, artisanal wineries crafting unique, high-quality wines, as well as larger producers also making exceptional wines.