Both of these wines have been offered to me, courtesy of Mr. Randall Graham, when he was hosting a dinner at the excellent Manresa restaurant in Los Gatos. They are from large format bottles, but I did not see the exact size.
1985 Le Cigare Volant from Bonny Doon
It is still vibrant and vital with good acidity. The mid-palette is strong. There is a nice balance between blue and black berry fruit and the mineral backbone; elegant; a little heat in the medium-long finish. 18.5/20
1984 Le Cigare Volant from Bonny Doon
This one is even more elegant than the ’85, but less dense. The nose developed some tarriness and an appealing underbrush character. There is more red fruit than the ’85, but the same mineral backbone, and a medium finish. 18/20
Both of these wines are among the best Rhone style Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre blends in California.
