Owner and winemaker Randall Grahm makes a great variety of rosés, of which this is probably the leader and the pink flag of the Cigare line. It's the Reserve version of the rosé, but vinified in five-gallon demijohns instead of larger containers. The bottle is adorned with the classic aliens-in-the-vineyard artwork that identifies the full line of Cigare Volant of all shades.
The 2016 Vin Gris De Cigare Reserve is composed of 50% Grenache grapes, 15% Grenache Blanc, 12% Cinsault, 12% Mourvedre, 8% Carignane and 3% Roussanne. Labeled as Central Coast pink wine, the grapes came from eleven vineyards, principally Rancho Solo. 826 cases were made with alcohol hitting 12.9% abv. Grahm advises, "Be careful not to serve it too cold."
This is a rosé for people who don't drink rosé because they feel there's no complexity there. This is loaded with complexity, starting with the color - is it pink, salmon, copper, onion… - and continuing on the nose, which offers up a hint of funk along with a host of saline, herbal aromas. The palate shows more fruit, but stays in the savory range. Zesty acidity tops off this piece of perfection with poise.
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